Determining Sample Size: Balancing Power, Precision, and Practicality / Edition 1

by Patrick Dattalo

Overview

A researcher's decision about the sample to draw in a study may have an enormous impact on the results, and it rests on numerous statistical and practical considerations that can be difficult to juggle. Computer programs help, but no single software package exists that allows researchers to determine sample size across all statistical procedures. This pocket guide shows social work students, educators, and researchers how to prevent some of the mistakes that would result from a wrong sample size decision by describing and critiquing four main approaches to determining sample size. In concise, example-rich chapters, Dattalo covers sample-size determination using power analysis, confidence intervals, computer-intensive strategies, and ethical or cost considerations, as well as techniques for advanced and emerging statistical strategies such as structural equation modeling, multilevel analysis, repeated measures MANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA. He also offers strategies for mitigating pressures to increase sample size when doing so may not be feasible. Whether as an introduction to the process for students or as a refresher for experienced researchers, this practical guide is a perfect overview of a crucial but often overlooked step in empirical social work research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195315493
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/11/2008
Series:	Pocket Guide to Social Work Research Methods
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 5.69(h) x 0.38(d)

Table of Contents

1. Basic Terms and Concepts2. Statistical Power Analysis3. Confidence Intervals: Measures of Precision4. Computer-Intensive Methods5. Additional Considerations, Recommendations, and Conclusions6. Worked ExamplesiAnnotated Bibliography of Readings and Other Resources/iiReferences/iiNotes/iiIndex/i