HOP Faculty Member Invited to Talk about Study Design at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute

HOP_Guo_CompressedYi Guo, Ph.D., gave a talk on study design and sample size methods on May 26 for researchers from the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) Arkansas Chapter. The talk, titled “Power and Sample Size for Multilevel and Longitudinal Study Designs: Software and Methods,” addresses statistical and software challenges when calculating a sample size for longitudinal studies.

During his presentation, Guo explained the importance of designing longitudinal studies with a proper sample size.

“Selecting an appropriate sample size is a crucial step in designing a successful study,” said Guo, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Outcomes & Policy whose research areas include statistical methodology for sample size estimation and cancer health outcomes. Guo’s research also focuses on eliminating health disparities, examining behavioral health issues and the environmental and social determinants of health in low-income populations. “If the sample size is too small, the researchers can’t detect any effects. As a result, a substantial investment of time and resources on the part of the researchers—and research participants, if any—are wasted. On the other hand, a study sample that is larger than it needs to be also can lead to additional expense and may unnecessarily expose participants to possible harm from research.”

Guo presented the materials to an audience of more than 50 researchers at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Society of Clinical Research Associates Arkansas Chapter also co-sponsored the event.