What does it mean to say that "p < .05"?

A) The correlation between two variables is very low, almost random.
B) The probability that the experiment was done correctly is less than 5%.
C) Fewer than 5% of all scientists agree with the theory.
D) The probability of getting such a pattern of results by accident is less than 5%.

P < .05

A statistical notation indicating that the probability of the observed data (or something more extreme) given that the null hypothesis is true is less than 5%, suggesting the findings are statistically significant.

Probability

A numerical expression representing the probability of an event happening, ranging from 0 (meaning the event cannot happen) to 1 (meaning the event is certain to happen).

Pattern

A repeated decorative or functional design, or a predictable sequence of events or characteristics.