Strengthening Interactions between Statisticians and Collaborators: Objectives and Sample Sizes

Effective determinations of sample size require interaction between statisticians and their research collaborators who wish to initiate studies. The majority of grant applications, clinical trial protocols, and IRB submissions will not be approved unless there is some statistical justification for the planned sample size that is appropriate for the study’s primary objective [1]. However, obtaining a suitable sample size is non-trivial and may necessitate dynamic conversations regarding aims, objectives, study design, and future directions. Such conversations may address the types of data to be collected, analytic plans, and whether the specified endpoints and objectives will answer the goals of the study post-completion.