sample size estimation

Sample size estimation involves determining the number of participants needed in a study to reliably detect a true effect or difference if it exists. It balances the desire for accuracy with practical constraints, considering factors like expected effect size (the size of the difference you're looking for), variability in data, and acceptable levels of error. Proper estimation ensures that the study is neither underpowered (too small to find real effects) nor unnecessarily large, optimizing resources while providing valid, meaningful results.