Determining Sample Size and Power in Research Studies: A Manual for Researchers

This book provides valuable insights into sample size and power in research, offering techniques to enhance the authenticity of research findings and improve the chances of research papers being accepted by respected journals. It discusses the importance of fixing boundary conditions in enhancing the authenticity of research and explores the significance of sample size by showing the power achieved in selected doctoral studies. The procedure to fix power in the hypothesis testing experiment is also discussed, with power at least 0.8 being recommended for practical significance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 127 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of sample size and power in research, providing invaluable guidance for graduate and doctoral students, as well as researchers across diverse disciplines. It elucidates the process of enhancing the authenticity of research by accurately estimating sample size and reporting the power of the tests employed. Moreover, it delves into the critical considerations of sample size determination in survey studies and hypothesis testing experiments, empowering readers to grasp concepts such as statistical errors, minimum detectable difference, effect size, one-tail and two-tail tests, and the power of the test.

The book underscores the significance of addressing these boundary conditions to bolster the credibility of research findings and increase the likelihood of research papers being accepted by esteemed journals. Furthermore, it explores the profound impact of sample size by showcasing the power achieved in selected doctoral studies. A detailed procedure has been discussed to optimize power in hypothesis testing experiments, emphasizing the importance of achieving power levels of at least 0.8 to ensure practical significance of findings. In cases where power falls below 0.5, the book advises considering alternative approaches, such as testing the hypothesis through the toss of a coin rather than conducting the experiment.

Additionally, the book provides a comprehensive guide on determining sample size and power using the freeware G*Power software, based on twenty-one examples encompassing various analyses, including t-test, parametric and non-parametric correlations, multivariate regression, logistic regression, independent and repeated measures ANOVA, mixed design, MANOVA, and chi-square. By employing these techniques, researchers can effectively optimize their sample sizes and powers, enhancing the rigor and validity of their research endeavors.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811552069
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020