The reality of Using statistical significance and the practical significance of statistical tests in master's theses in Omani universities during the period (1998-2018)

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the reality of the use of indicators of statistical significance and Practical significance in the Master's Thesis at Omani universities, Sultan Qaboos University, Nizwa University, Dhofar University, and Sohar University during 1998-2018. A random sample of (628) master's Theses was selected, which is (33.14%) from the total population (1895). The results of the study showed that the number of statistical tests used in master’s theses reached (11926) tests, and practical significance indicators were used as measures that complement the statistical significance in only (7%) of the total statistical tests, and that most of the results of (t) tests and analysis of variance tests were not statistically significant at a level of significance less than (0.05), and the opposite in the results of Pearson correlation coefficient and regression coefficient. The practical significance was calculated for all tests. It was found medium in (t) tests and Pearson correlation coefficient tests, small in analysis of variance tests, and large in regression coefficient tests.