Planning a randomized trial: Determining the study sample size

Michael Zlowodzki, Mohit Bhandari, Greg A. Brown, Peter A. Cole, Marc F. Swiontkowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

A critical component of any well-conceived clinical trial is an estimate of the total sample size. Many clinical trials are limited by small sample sizes that increase the risk of false-negative conclusions. This article describes how to calculate a sample size in the planning phase of a clinical trial and lays out the rationale behind the parameters of the sample size calculation with an emphasis on avoiding type II (beta) errors. The reporting of sample size estimates is presented in the context of a grant proposal.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)72-76
Number of pages5
JournalTechniques in Orthopaedics
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2004

Keywords

  • Clinical trial
  • Randomized trial
  • Sample size calculation
  • Study planning

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Planning a randomized trial: Determining the study sample size'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this