Plan sample sizes phase by phase across the four evidence-building phases¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

This strategy organizes sample size planning around the four evidence-building phases the guide names: "Design the Solution (Phase 1), Refine the Solution (Phase 2), Assess for Early Evidence of Success (Phase 3), and Validate Effectiveness (Phase 4)". Organizations consult the guide's phase-specific considerations as they begin recruitment and plan measurement and evaluation activities, so that sample size decisions match the evidentiary purpose of each phase.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Organizations must begin sample size planning during recruitment and before measurement and evaluation activities.

Constraints¶

• In Phase 3 and Phase 4, the guidance serves only as a starting point; a research partner should determine the specific sample size needed.

Target Learners¶

• students who are Black, Latino, and/or experiencing poverty

Target Learning Goals¶

• building evidence of effectiveness for educational solutions

Related Strategies¶

• Use a suite of measurement and evaluation tools to develop, refine, and scale evidence-based educational solutions
• Refine a solution based on lessons learned during implementation
• Conduct a small pilot study to assess early evidence of success before full validation
• Measure usability, usefulness, and utilization during development and early implementation

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Mikia Manley, Virginia Knechtel, Gregory Chojnacki. (2023). Sample Size Guide. Mathematica. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/sample-size-guide