Statistical power and continuous outcomes
Continuous outcomes increase statistical power and decrease the needed sample size
Continuous level measurement leads to increased precision and accuracy when measuring for outcomes. The increased precision and accuracy in continuous level measurement comes from the existence of a "true zero." The true zero allows for measures of both distance and magnitude.
More powerful parametric statistics are used with continuous outcomes. Researchers should aspire to always measure for predictor, confounding, and outcome variables at the continuous level if at all possible. Continuous outcomes will increase statistical power due to increased precision and accuracy, and will decrease the needed sample size to detect significant effects. Small effect sizes are most easily detected with continuous level measurement.
More powerful parametric statistics are used with continuous outcomes. Researchers should aspire to always measure for predictor, confounding, and outcome variables at the continuous level if at all possible. Continuous outcomes will increase statistical power due to increased precision and accuracy, and will decrease the needed sample size to detect significant effects. Small effect sizes are most easily detected with continuous level measurement.
Continuous outcomes increase statistical power and decrease the needed sample size.
Click on the Power and Research Design button to continue.
Hire A Statistician
DO YOU NEED TO HIRE A STATISTICIAN?
Eric Heidel, Ph.D., PStat will provide the following statistical consulting services for undergraduate and graduate students at $100/hour. Secure checkout is available with Stripe, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal.
- Statistical Analysis
- Research Design
- Sample Size Calculations
- Diagnostic Testing and Epidemiological Calculations
- Survey Design and Psychometrics