DA0-002 Data Analysis Practice Question
A data analyst is performing a chi-square test of independence on a 2x2 contingency table. The p-value is 0.04. At α=0.05, which THREE of the following statements are correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
DA0-002 often tests the misconception that a statistically significant p-value implies a strong or large effect, conflating significance with effect size.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
There is a statistically significant association between the two variables.
Option A is correct because with p = 0.04 < α = 0.05, the chi-square test of independence yields a statistically significant result, indicating evidence of an association between the two variables. Option C is correct because rejecting the null hypothesis of independence means the data support that the two variables are not independent (i.e., they are associated). Option D is correct because the decision rule for a chi-square test of independence is to reject the null hypothesis when p < α, and 0.04 < 0.05. Option B is not correct because statistical significance does not imply a strong association; strength would require an effect size such as Cramér's V or the phi coefficient. Option E is not correct because p = 0.04 is below α = 0.05, so the result is statistically significant, not non-significant.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
There is a statistically significant association between the two variables.
Why this is correct
With p=0.04 below the α=0.05 threshold, the null hypothesis of independence is rejected, so a statistically significant association exists between the two variables. The test detects a relationship, though it does not quantify its strength or direction.
- ✗
The test indicates a strong association between variables.
Why it's wrong here
A p-value of 0.04 below α=0.05 establishes statistical significance and rejection of the null hypothesis of independence, but it quantifies no effect size. Cramér's V or the odds ratio measures association strength. The option is tempting because significance is often loosely described as a strong result, yet a trivial association can still yield p<0.05.
- ✓
The variables are not independent.
Why this is correct
With p = 0.04 below the α = 0.05 threshold, the null hypothesis of independence is rejected, so the two variables in the 2x2 table are associated. This satisfies the stem's significance criterion directly: the test detects a statistically significant relationship rather than sampling noise.
- ✓
The null hypothesis is rejected.
Why this is correct
With p = 0.04 falling below the α = 0.05 significance threshold, the null hypothesis of independence between the two categorical variables is rejected. This satisfies the stem's decision rule directly: evidence suggests an association exists in the 2x2 contingency table, so the analyst proceeds as though the variables are dependent.
- ✗
The result is not statistically significant.
Why it's wrong here
With p=0.04 and α=0.05, p<α, so the null hypothesis of independence is rejected and the result is statistically significant. The option inverts the decision rule. It is tempting because 0.04 is numerically close to 0.05, prompting a mistaken judgement that the threshold was not met.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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