In terms of p-values, what is considered a better outcome in research?

In research, p-values are used to determine the statistical significance of results. A lower p-value indicates stronger evidence against the null hypothesis, suggesting that the observed effect is less likely to occur due to random chance. Generally, a p-value of less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant, which means there is less than a 5% probability that the observed results—if the null hypothesis were true—would occur. Thus, a lower p-value is desirable in research as it often indicates that the findings are more robust and warrant further attention, leading researchers to conclude that there is a meaningful effect or difference present in the data.

Higher, average, or median p-values do not provide the same level of assurance about the significance of the results, as they suggest either a lack of evidence against the null hypothesis or an inconclusive outcome.