Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Sample size for beginners.

British Medical Journal 1993; 306 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.306.6886.1181 (Published 01 May 1993) Cite this as: British Medical Journal 1993;306:1181
  1. C D Florey
  1. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School.

    Abstract

    The common failure to include an estimation of sample size in grant proposals imposes a major handicap on applicants, particularly for those proposing work in any aspect of research in the health services. Members of research committees need evidence that a study is of adequate size for there to be a reasonable chance of a clear answer at the end. A simple illustrated explanation of the concepts in determining sample size should encourage the faint hearted to pay more attention to this increasingly important aspect of grantsmanship.