Role of Sample Size in Power Analysis
For any given
effect size and alpha, increasing the sample size will increase the power
(ignoring for the moment the case of power for a single proportion by
the binomial method). As is true of effect size and alpha, sample size
cannot be viewed in isolation but rather as one element in a complex balancing
act. In some studies it might be important to detect even a small effect
while maintaining high power. In this case it might be appropriate to
enroll many thousands of patients (as was done in the "Physicians"
study that found a relationship between aspirin use and cardiovascular
events).
Typically,
though, the number of available cases is limited. The researcher might
need to find the largest N that can be enrolled, and work backwards from
there to find an appropriate balance between alpha and beta. She may need
to forgo the possibility of finding a small effect, and acknowledge that
power will be adequate for a large effect only.
Note: For
studies that involve two groups power is generally maximized when the
subjects are divided evenly between the two groups. When the number of
cases in the two groups is uneven the "effective N" for computing
power falls much closer to the smaller sample size than the larger one.
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