| Session Title: Fundamentals of Power Analysis and Sample Size Determination |
| Demonstration Session 366 to be held in Lone Star E on Thursday, Nov 11, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Quantitative Methods: Theory and Design TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Steven Pierce, Michigan State University, pierces1@msu.edu |
| Abstract: In quantitative studies, statistical power (the probability of detecting an effect that actually exists) is closely tied to sample size. Evaluators can use power analysis to plan what sample size should be targeted during data collection to make best use of limited evaluation resources. This introductory session will cover the fundamental concepts involved in using power analysis and describe how power analysis can be used to improve the quality of a quantitative evaluation study. It will define key terms, explain why power analysis is important, and then discuss practical issues such as how to pick a power analysis method that matches your hypotheses, how to come up with reasonable numbers to plug into power analysis formulas, and why it is important to examine how sensitive the results are to your assumptions. Some examples will be presented, and software tools and other resources will be recommended. |