Workshop Description:

Understanding Power Analysis & Sample Size

This workshop will provide an overview of the statistical concept of power analysis and how it can be appropriately utilized to determine an adequate sample size for designing studies. This workshop will address concepts for both quantitative studies (e.g., mean comparisons and modeling) and select qualitative studies (e.g., thematic analysis).

Learning Objectives:

1.  Define important statistical errors and the related concept of statistical power
2. Understand the appropriate questions to ask when considering how to design a new study
3. Utilize available information to make informed decisions about effect sizes, power, and sample sizes
4. Utilize basic computer programs to estimate sample sizes for quantitative studies
5. Utilize computer programs to estimate sample sizes for certain qualitative studies

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Chad L. Cross is an accomplished, results-driven, and experienced professional who has extensive experience working in highly complex medical, research, and technical scientific environments. He is a faculty member in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics. He is trained as a multidisciplinary scientist and holds advanced degrees in statistics, the life sciences, and the social sciences. He has expert knowledge, skills, and abilities in research, complex quantitative analysis, leadership, grantsmanship, and policy development.   As a professional scientist, he has worked in academia, in the federal government, in private industry, and as a professional consultant.  His research consistently involves working with multidisciplinary research teams to bring analytical expertise to novel and interesting research questions. He applies his quantitative work broadly in medicine, biology, and STEM applications. He has particular expertise in quantitative ecology, applied biostatistics, disease ecology/epidemiology, and the ecology and epidemiology of parasites and vector-borne diseases. In addition to these research areas, he teaches several advanced courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, parasitology, and vector biology. He also provides epidemiological and biostatistics research support for several grant-funded projects.