Related Experiment Videos
Planning significant and meaningful research in exercise science: estimating sample size
J R Thomas1, M R Lochbaum, D M Landers
1Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education, Arizona State University, USA. jthomas@asu.edu
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Researchers can determine the necessary sample size for studies by understanding alpha, power, and effect size. This guide helps exercise science professionals plan studies to detect meaningful group differences.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Sport Psychology
- Motor Behavior
Background:
- Parametric tests are commonly used in exercise science to identify significant differences between treatment groups.
- A frequent challenge in research planning is determining the required number of participants to detect meaningful differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of alpha, power, and effect size for planning sample sizes in research.
- To guide researchers in calculating sample sizes needed to detect real and meaningful group differences.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing the use of alpha, power, and effect size in sample size planning.
- Locating meta-analyses in sport and exercise psychology (n=26) and motor behavior (n=6) to identify effect sizes.
- Providing examples and discussion for practical application.
Main Results:
- Effect size is a crucial parameter often missing in research planning.
- Meta-analyses provide valuable effect size data for sport and exercise psychology and motor behavior.
Conclusions:
- Researchers can use effect size estimates from meta-analyses along with alpha and power to plan adequate sample sizes.
- This approach ensures studies are adequately powered to detect meaningful differences, enhancing research validity.