Power and money: Designing statistically powerful studies while minimizing financial costs

Author(s): Allison, R. L., Faith, M. S., Paultre, F., PiSunyer, F. X.

Journal/Book: Psychol Methods. 1997; 2: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 20-33.

Abstract: Adequate statistical power is increasingly demanded in research design. However, obtaining adequate research funding is increasingly difficult. This places researchers in a difficult position. In response, the authors advocate an approach to designing studies that considers statistical power and financial concerns simultaneously. Their purpose is twofold: (a) to introduce the general paradigm of cost optimization in the context of power analysis and (b) to present techniques for such optimization. Techniques are presented in the context of a randomized clinical trial. The authors consider (a) selecting optimal cutpoints for subject screening tests; (b) optimally allocating subjects to different treatment conditions; (c) choosing between obtaining more subjects or taking more replicate measurements; and (d) using prerandomization covariates.

Note: Article Allison DB, Columbia Univ, Coll Phys & Surg, St Lukes Roosevelt Hosp, Obes Res Ctr, 1090 Amsterdam Ave, New York,NY 10025 USA

Keyword(s): RANDOMIZED CLINICAL-TRIAL; SAMPLE SIZES; CONTRADICTIONS; RELIABILITY; COVARIATE

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