SAMPLE SIZE

Ma. Fidelis Espiritu-Quiza, MD, FPCP

Ms Clinical Epidemiology
Sample Size Determination

If data is not readily available for the

process, how many members of the
population should be selected to
ensure that the population is properly
represented??
 Study Power Determination

If data has been collected, how do you

determine if you have enough data?
Sample Size Determination

The power to detect a true difference

among parameters within the
population

The power to detect a true correlation

between parameters within the
population
If 2 (n1 and n2) samples
were drawn from a
population (N), it is
expected that the larger
sample would have a
better probability of
representing the
population
Statistical Determinants

Study design
Magnitude of the parameter being
estimated
Variability of the parameter being
estimated
Data analysis plan
Level of confidence for conclusion
Statistical Determinants

Level of precision desired for

generalization
Research question
Type of data
Proportion of people exposed or have
the outcome
Practical Considerations

How much money is available to do the

work?
How many people can be involved in
the different phases of the study
How fast can they work?
How much time is available to finish the
project
 Z Deviates
CONFIDENCE LEVEL Z DEVIATE

90% 1.65
95% 1.96
99% 2.58
N = level of significance x level of confidence x heterogeneity
Effect size x permissible error
 Key Points to Consider

Compute the sample size as early as

possible during the design phase
Be guided by the criteria for selection of
the formula for sample size determination
It is good practice to provide a correction
factor (20%) for non-response or refusal
rate in the estimation of sample size