What does the term "statistical power" refer to?

The term "statistical power" refers specifically to the likelihood of correctly rejecting a false null hypothesis. This concept is crucial in hypothesis testing because it reflects the test's ability to detect an effect or difference when one truly exists. High statistical power means that there is a greater chance of identifying a true positive result, which is essential in research settings to ensure that important findings are not overlooked.

Statistical power is influenced by several factors, including the sample size, effect size, and the significance level set for the test. Researchers aim for a statistical power of 0.8 or higher, indicating an 80% chance of detecting an effect if there is one, thus facilitating more robust and reliable conclusions from their studies.