Stats #13: Computing an Appropriate Sample Size
One of your most critical choices in designing a research study is selecting an appropriate sample size. A sample size that is either too small or too large will be wasteful of resources and will raise ethical concerns.
This class will provide hands-on computer experience using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for sample size calculations. Please bring a copy of a research paper with you to class.
In this class, you will learn how to:
- identify the information you need to produce a power calculation;
- justify an appropriate sample size for your research; and
- examine the sensitivity of the sample size to changes in your research design.
This class does not qualify for IRB Education Credits (IRBECs).
Contents
- Overview of the STATS web pages
- Consulting services that I provide
- Type II error
- Quick sample size calculations
- Three things you need for a power calculation
- Sample size calculations for a binary outcome
- Confidence intervals
- Negative results
- Please fill out an evaluation form