Power & Sample Size

A critically important aspect of any study is determining the appropriate sample size to answer the research question. This course focuses on formulas that can be used to estimate the sample size needed to produce a confidence interval estimate with a specified margin of error (precision) or to ensure that a test of hypothesis has a high probability of detecting a meaningful difference in the parameter being studied. 

At the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Provide examples demonstrating how the margin of error, effect size and variability of the outcome affect sample size computations
• Compute the sample size required to estimate population parameters with a specified level of precision
• Interpret statistical power in tests of hypothesis
• Compute the sample size required to ensure high power in hypothesis testing

Developed by: Lisa Sullivan, PhD; Wayne LaMorte, MD, PhD, MPH