Sample Size Calculations

Overview

An adequate sample size is necessary when conducting clinical research to ensure all the required information is captured correctly. If sample sizes are less than adequate, you might miss crucial data that can affect the research results. On the other hand, sample sizes that are too large are also prone to error. Therefore, knowing how to calculate sample sizes and determining whether they are adequate for a given study can help you determine the power of the study as well.

Prompt

Choose one scenario from the following potential studies based on your chosen MSN track or area of interest.

Scenario:

1. Population Health Case Study Researchers plan to collect data from residents of a city with a population of 100,000 people to assess awareness of physical activity guidelines. The researchers want to calculate the required sample size in order to estimate the proportion of city residents who are aware of the physical activity guidelines, with a margin of error of 0.07. Because they will calculate a 95% confidence interval, they will use a critical value of 1.96.

Then use the Module Nine Sample Size Calculator spreadsheet to calculate the required information. Note that there are two sheets in the spreadsheet. Based on your selected care study, you will need to select the sheet corresponding to either proportion or mean. In your written response, describe the sample size needed for the study using the calculations from the spreadsheet. Provide specific evidence from at least one scholarly source to support your claims.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

1. Target Population: Describe the target population you would use for your chosen study.
2. Values: Identify the values you need to enter to calculate the sample size. Include the following details:
   1. Determine whether you will calculate the proportion or mean sample size for the chosen study.
   2. Explain what they tell you about the study.
3. Sample Size: Using the template, calculate the sample size and explain whether this sample size is adequate for the purpose of the study.Note: As this number is meant to describe a population of people, round this number up to the nearest whole number.
4. Application: Explain how this study could be applied to your own client population or share any challenges you might face in selecting the sample population.

What to Submit

Your submission should be a 1- to 2-page Word document. Use 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, and one-inch margins. Sources should be cited according to APA style.