The Effect of Different Construct Operationalizations, Study Duration, and Preprocessing Choices on Power-Based...

Area of Science:

• Psychological Science
• Methodology
• Quantitative Psychology

Background:

• Intensive longitudinal (IL) data are crucial for understanding psychological processes.
• Sample size decisions in IL studies rely on statistical power analysis.
• Heterogeneity in previous IL study designs impacts power-based sample size recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel approach for assessing the impact of study design and preprocessing choices on sample size recommendations in IL research.
• To provide a method for determining robust sample sizes that account for between-study heterogeneity.
• To enhance the reliability of sample size planning in psychological research.

Main Methods:

• Developed an approach to investigate the influence of study design and preprocessing choices on sample size.
• Demonstrated the application of the approach using varying construct operationalizations, study durations, and preprocessing methods.
• Utilized statistical power considerations to guide sample size determination.

Main Results:

• Between-study heterogeneity significantly affects power-based sample size recommendations.
• The proposed approach quantifies the impact of design choices on sample size.
• Investigated effects of different construct operationalizations, study duration, and preprocessing.

Conclusions:

• The introduced approach enables more informed and resilient sample size decisions in IL studies.
• Accounting for heterogeneity in prior research is essential for accurate power analysis.
• This methodology supports robust planning for intensive longitudinal research.