How to Determine Permissible Error δ Value Properly when Computing Sample Sizes in Hypothesis Tests
Jinxin Zhang · Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine · 2011
Objective There are three ways to determine permissible error δ value when researchers cannot get the difference δ between population parameters in computing sample sizes of hypothesis tests.Methods Take one-sample t-test for example and discuss how to determine δ value properly to compute the final sample size on two sides when there exists professional difference δ or not.Results Compare δ from pilot experiment and professional difference δ when professional difference δ does exist and then compute sample size;when there is no professional difference δ,we set the interval(0.25S,0.50S) to compute sample size;the results can also be applied in situations which involve permissible error like two independent sample t-test and χ2 test.Conclusion It is necessary to select δ value reasonably in different situations when computing sample sizes;a flow chart for reference in practice is provided.