In a study, the 95% confidence interval for Relative Risk (RR) is reported as 1.4 (0.9–2.1). The correct interpretation is:
- A The result is not statistically significant at the 5% level ✓
- B The exposure is significantly associated with the disease
- C There is a 95% chance the true RR is 1.4
- D The p-value is less than 0.05
Correct answer: A. The result is not statistically significant at the 5% level
Explanation
A 95% CI for RR that includes 1.0 (the null value of no association) indicates the result is NOT statistically significant at alpha = 0.05. The CI crossing 1.0 means we cannot reject the null hypothesis. The statement 'there is a 95% chance the true value lies in this interval' is an incorrect frequentist interpretation — the CI is a procedure property, not a probability statement about the parameter.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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