P Value Reporting and Reliability in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Primer for Readers and Investigators.

The P value is ubiquitous in research. However, misuse and misinterpretation are common. This article aims to demystify the P value for researchers, students, physicians, and experienced investigators alike. To accomplish this aim, the origins of the P value, what it represents, and principles of application are described through use of examples from real data sets. Developing understanding of the true meaning of this statistical measure has the power to improve and inform clinical research.