Sample Size Matters

Could you have misconceptions about data visualization and statistical analysis that may affect the outcomes of your research? Misconceptions and problems with data visualization and statistical analysis are common in published studies.

Sample Size Matters addresses common misconceptions about data visualization and statistical analysis in the biomedical sciences. This course also teaches learners best practices in data visualization and statistical analysis to improve transparency and reproducibility. This course is delivered asynchronously, allowing you to engage with the materials at your own pace and on your timeline. It can be completed in approximately six hours.

Sample Size Matters is free for internal and external learners; registration information can be found below.

Intended audience

Sample Size Matters is an online course for graduate students and research professionals. Participants learn to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained to enhance rigor, transparency, and reproducibility in their research.

Curriculum

Course directors

Stacey J. Winham, Ph.D. and Tracey L. Weissgerber, Ph.D.

Course outcomes

  • Recognize problems with current standard practices in basic biomedical science research.
  • Identify solutions for problems with current standard practices in basic biomedical science research.

Course outline

  • Data Visualization
    • Beyond Bar Graphs
    • Line Graphs
    • Understanding Variability and Summary Statistics
  • Statistical Analysis
    • Challenges with Small Sample Sizes
    • Implications of Power and Effect Size
    • Clustered Data
    • Reporting
    • Selective Reporting, Publication Bias, and Multiple Comparisons

Registration

Sample Size Matters is free for internal and external learners; registration information can be found below.

  • Internal Mayo Clinic learners should log in to the Mayo Clinic network and navigate to My Learning. Under "Find Learning," search for course code 502E0SSM0001 or Sample Size Matters.
  • External learners should complete the registration form to begin the enrollment process.

Note: Internal learners who complete Sample Size Matters through the external process will not receive credit in My Learning.

Contact

Please contact the CCaTS Workforce team with any questions.