title: Sample size calculation and power analysis: a quick review.
abstract: Diabetes educators conducting research need a basic understanding of statistical concepts so study findings are useful and can be read with confidence. Selecting an adequate sample size is a key step that needs to be considered early in the process of designing a research study. A sample size too small will not provide reliable answers to the study questions asked or research hypotheses needing to be tested. A sample size that is too big can make the study unwieldy, wasting both time and effort. An adequate sample size uses resources and time in the most cost-effective manner and is essential to producing useful research findings. The purpose of this article is to understand the importance of selecting an adequate sample size in gaining information from a small group (sample) that can be generalized to a larger group (population) along with discussing power analyses.
authors.affiliation: The American Association of Diabetes Educators, Chicago, Illinois
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fitzner
authors.affiliation: The American Association of Diabetes Educators, Chicago, Illinois
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Heckinger
mesh_terms: D056808:Biostatistics; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000175:diagnosis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics*; D012107:Research Design; D018401:Sample Size