Sample Size Determination using Excel

Overview
Choosing an appropriate sample size is a common problem and should be given due consideration in any research proposal, as an inadequate sample size invariably leads to wasted resources.  This course aims to give a practical introduction to sample size determination in the context of some commonly used significance tests.
Examples from a scientific background will be used to highlight the problems associated with sample size determination, and suggest potential solutions.  Practical work will be based around the use of Microsoft Excel.  Formulae and algebraic notation will be kept to a minimum.

Who Should Attend?
Scientists and related who need to address the problem of sample size determination in planning a study.  Participants will be assumed to have a working knowledge of sampling distributions, confidence intervals and significance tests for both means and proportions.  These materials are covered in our course A Review of Basic Statistics using Excel.

How You Will Benefit
This course will give you a sound introduction to sample size determination.  Opportunity will be given to participants to discuss general issues related to sample size.

What Do We Cover?
  • Concepts of significance and power in relation to significance tests
  • Sample size determination for one sample, two samples and paired samples for both t-tests (means) and z-tests (proportions)
  • Effect measures: difference and ratio
  • Practical problems associated with sample size determination and possible solutions
  • The role of confidence intervals
  • Why it can be difficult to determine sample size.

Choice of Software
Practical work may be done in: Excel
Note: For practical work, participants must bring their own laptop, using the Windows operating system, with a fully licensed version of the software.
Course Dates
21 July 2020

Venue: Reading, UK
Duration: 1 day
Price: £300

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