An elaboration on sample size determination for correlations based on effect sizes and confidence interval width: a guide for researchers
- Author:
Mohamad Adam BUJANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Statistical Research Article
- From:Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics 2024;49(2):e21-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
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Abstract:
Objectives:This paper aims to serve as a useful guide for sample size determination for various correlation analyses that are based on effect sizes and confidence interval width.
Materials and Methods:Sample size determinations are calculated for Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s rank correlation, and Kendall’s Tau-b correlation. Examples of sample size statements and their justification are also included.
Results:Using the same effect sizes, there are differences between the sample size determination of the 3 statistical tests. Based on an empirical calculation, a minimum sample size of 149 is usually adequate for performing both parametric and non-parametric correlation analysis to determine at least a moderate to an excellent degree of correlation with acceptable confidence interval width.
Conclusions:Determining data assumption(s) is one of the challenges to offering a valid technique to estimate the required sample size for correlation analyses. Sample size tables are provided and these will help researchers to estimate a minimum sample size requirement based on correlation analyses.
