If the results of a study are statistically significant, they

Statistical significance is a mathematical assessment of whether the observed results in a study are likely due to a real effect rather than random sampling variability. A statistically significant result (typically p < 0.05) indicates that the null hypothesis (the hypothesis of no effect) can be rejected, meaning it is unlikely the findings occurred by chance alone. It does not guarantee the results can be replicated (A), though replication is a goal. It does not automatically mean the findings have practical or clinical importance (B). The results could either support or contradict the initial prediction (C) or the findings of previous studies (E); statistical significance is independent of the direction of the finding or its relation to prior work.