An advanced practice nurse (APN) manages an urban primary care clinic for the uninsured. She observes that patients with poorly controlled diabetes, defined as glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) greater than 7%, often do not adhere to diabetes management and seem to suffer from certain mental health symptoms. In her literature review, she found an association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and non-adherence to medical treatment in patients with heart disease, organ transplants, and HIV. However, she could find no published studies addressing the relationship in patients with diabetes.

The APN conducts a study at her clinic to investigate the association between HbA1c levels and PTSD symptoms. After getting informed consent, she has patients complete a survey questionnaire for demographic information and information about diabetes history and management. Height and body weight are measured and recorded. HbA1c levels are also measured. Patients are also assessed for depression and PTSD symptoms. A total of 50 patients are included in her study.

The APN sets a level of significance (alpha level) at 0.05. What does this mean?

1. There's a 5% chance that a relationship between PTSD symptoms and HbA1c levels exists.
2. There's a 5% chance that there is not a relationship between PTSD symptoms and HbA1c levels.
3. There's a 5% chance the APN will not find a relationship between PTSD symptoms and HbA1c levels, even though there really is a relationship (Type II error).
4. There's a 5% chance the APN will find a relationship between PTSD symptoms and HbA1c levels, even though there really is not a relationship (Type I error).