# An Online Short-Course in Sample-Size Determination - A Practical Guide to Improving Reproducibility through Proper Planning

> **NIH NIH R25** · DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $17,931

## Abstract

Sample-size planning is currently the Achilles heel of biomedical research. Many fields of preclinical research
routinely rely on inadequate samples, leading to waste, excessive false-positives, and inflated effect sizes.
These practices persist because researchers often eschew sound sample-size planning for easy but invalid
approaches. To help address this critical issue, this project will produce a self-guided online course that will
help trainees exchange poor sample-size determination practices for sound approaches. The course will a)
help redirect researchers away from erroneous approaches by making clear their severe negative
consequences, b) will dispel common misconceptions that discourage sound sample-size planning, and c) will
provide exercises with instant feedback to build self-efficacy for independent sample-size planning. The
materials will be produced for a modest budget, will incorporate guidance from a team of renowned
methodological experts, and will be anchored in a proven behavioral-change approach. The course will
provide a needed supplement to current materials, which do not adequately teach sample-size determination.
A thoughtful piloting plan will enable extensive feedback from diverse stakeholders to ensure strong impact not
only on knowledge but also on attitudes and actual competency. Dissemination will be supported through
partnerships with professional societies and the extensive social media reach of the participating guest
lecturers. Funding this proposal can have a strong positive impact on rigor and reproducibility in preclinical
research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9925089
- **Project number:** 5R25GM132784-02
- **Recipient organization:** DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Robert Joseph Calin-Jageman
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $17,931
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9925089

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9925089, An Online Short-Course in Sample-Size Determination - A Practical Guide to Improving Reproducibility through Proper Planning (5R25GM132784-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9925089. Licensed CC0.

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