[Explanation of samples sizes in current biomedical journals: an irrational requirement]. / Explicación del tamaño muestral empleado: una exigencia irracional de las revistas biomédicas.
Gac Sanit
; 27(1): 53-7, 2013.
Article
em Es
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22483062
OBJECTIVES: To discuss the theoretical relevance of current requirements for explanations of the sample sizes employed in published studies, and to assess the extent to which these requirements are currently met by authors and demanded by referees and editors. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to gain insight into and critically discuss the possible rationale underlying the requirement of justifying sample sizes. A descriptive bibliometric study was then carried out based on the original studies published in the six journals with the highest impact factor in the field of health in 2009. RESULTS: All the arguments used to support the requirement of an explanation of sample sizes are feeble, and there are several reasons why they should not be endorsed. These instructions are neglected in most of the studies published in the current literature with the highest impact factor. In 56% (95%CI: 52-59) of the articles, the sample size used was not substantiated, and only 27% (95%CI: 23-30) met all the requirements contained in the guidelines adhered to by the journals studied. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, we conclude that there are no convincing arguments justifying the requirement for an explanation of how the sample size was reached in published articles. There is no sound basis for this requirement, which not only does not promote the transparency of research reports but rather contributes to undermining it.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Publicações Periódicas como Assunto
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Editoração
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Tamanho da Amostra
Idioma:
Es
Revista:
Gac Sanit
Assunto da revista:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Cuba
País de publicação:
Espanha