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Curtailed Sampling for Case-Control Studies

Author(s):
Herrmann, Nira; Szatrowski, Ted H.
Publication Year:
1981
Report Number:
RR-81-34
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
16
Subject/Key Words:
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Methodology, Sampling, Statistical Analysis

Abstract

The use of curtailed sampling procedures for individually matched case-control studies is proposed as an alternative to fixed sample size plans. Curtailed sampling provides a hypothesis testing procedure with the sam e power function as the corresponding fixed sample size test while guaranteeing that the random sample size is less than or equal to the fixed sample size in all cases. Several tables for the expected savings in sample size from curtailed procedures and an accurate, easy to calculate formula for approximating the expected savings are presented. In view of the substantial savings in sample size available under certain conditions and the accuracy of the approximating formula, it is recommended that curtailed procedures be given serious consideration in the design of matched pair case-control studies. (16pp.)

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