By Robert Calin-Jageman

https://osf.io/5awp4/wiki/Sample Size Planning for Neuroscientists/

Introduction

How much data is enough data? It is essential to have thought this question through before beginning data collection. Surprisingly, this is something not all scientists are trained to do.

The purpose of this part of the workshop is to help you to provide a practical guide to developing a good sample size plan for your research. Learning this skill will:

1. Help protect you from wasting precious time and money
2. Help you meet your ethical obligations to your research participants
3. Improve the reliability and replicability of your research.

The powerpoint presentation from the workshop covers the following topics:

• Why should you plan your sample size?
• What not to do (don't run-and-check or rely on previously-published sample sizes)
• What goes into a sample-size plan?
• A foundational skill: Understanding effect sizes
• Three approaches to planning: for power, for precision, or for evidence
• Model sample-size plans
• Stategies for coping with sample-size sticker shock

This page has links to additional resources and information to help you get started with sample-size planning.

Guidelines and Regulations Related to Sample-Size Planning

On important reason to plan your sample-size in advance is stakeholders in the life sciences are increasingly requiring evidence that sample-sizes are adequate