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Sample size: how many participants do I need in my research?*

Overview of attention for article published in Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, January 2014
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Title
Sample size: how many participants do I need in my research?*
Published in
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, January 2014
DOI 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143705
Pubmed ID
Authors

Jeovany Martínez-Mesa, David Alejandro González-Chica, João Luiz Bastos, Renan Rangel Bonamigo, Rodrigo Pereira Duquia

Abstract

The importance of estimating sample sizes is rarely understood by researchers, when planning a study. This paper aims to highlight the centrality of sample size estimations in health research. Examples that help in understanding the basic concepts involved in their calculation are presented. The scenarios covered are based more on the epidemiological reasoning and less on mathematical formulae. Proper calculation of the number of participants in a study diminishes the likelihood of errors, which are often associated with adverse consequences in terms of economic, ethical and health aspects.

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Mendeley readers

Mendeley readers

The data shown below were compiled from readership statistics for 912 Mendeley readers of this research output. Click here to see the associated Mendeley record.

Geographical breakdown

Country Count As %
United Kingdom 1 <1%
Brazil 1 <1%
Unknown 910 100%

Demographic breakdown

Readers by professional status Count As %
Student > Master 139 15%
Student > Bachelor 128 14%
Unspecified 110 12%
Student > Ph. D. Student 78 9%
Researcher 38 4%
Other 142 16%
Unknown 277 30%
Readers by discipline Count As %
Unspecified 111 12%
Nursing and Health Professions 92 10%
Medicine and Dentistry 91 10%
Psychology 53 6%
Social Sciences 40 4%
Other 224 25%
Unknown 301 33%