In the colon, ASBT protein expression between CIE and control dogs had a P value of 0.45. What does this imply?

• A. Protein is significantly higher in CIE
• B. Protein is significantly lower in CIE
• C. Not significantly different between groups
• D. Data size is insufficient to draw conclusions

Answer: (C)

The value you’re looking at is about statistical significance. It tells you how likely the observed difference would be if there were truly no difference between the groups. A P value of 0.45 means there’s a 45% chance of seeing a difference as large as (or larger than) what was observed just by random variation if there is actually no real difference. That is far above the common cutoff (0.05), so there isn’t evidence to claim a difference in colon ASBT expression between CIE and control dogs. This is interpreted as not significantly different between groups. It doesn’t prove there is no difference or guarantee equivalence; it simply means the study didn’t find a statistically significant difference.