How does sample size affect research outcomes?

How does sample size affect research outcomes?

Sample size significantly impacts the reliability and validity of research outcomes. A larger sample size generally leads to more accurate results and reduces the margin of error.

Can you give me a real-world example?

Sure! In a clinical trial for a new drug, a small sample size might show that the drug is effective, but if the sample is too small, it may not represent the larger population, leading to misleading conclusions.

What happens if the sample size is too small?

If the sample size is too small, the results may not be statistically significant, increasing the risk of Type I and Type II errors, which can lead to incorrect conclusions.

How do researchers determine the right sample size?

Researchers often use power analysis, which considers the expected effect size, significance level, and desired power to determine an appropriate sample size.