Sample Size Determination in Medical and Surgical Research

One of the most critical yet frequently misunderstood principles of research is sample size determination. Obtaining an inadequate sample is a serious problem that can invalidate an entire study. Without an extensive background in statistics, the seemingly simple question of selecting a sample size can become quite a daunting task. This article aims to give a researcher with no background in statistics the basic tools needed for sample size determination. After reading this article, the researcher will be aware of all the factors involved in a power analysis and will be able to work more effectively with the statistician when determining sample size. This work also reviews the power of a statistical hypothesis, as well as how to estimate the effect size of a research study. These are the two key components of sample size determination. Several examples will be considered throughout the text.