propdiff.alc: Bayesian sample size determination for the difference between...

In SampleSizeProportions: Calculating Sample Size Requirements when Estimating the Difference Between Two Binomial Proportions

Bayesian sample size determination for the difference between two binomial proportions using the Average Length Criterion

Description

The function propdiff.alc returns the required sample sizes to reach a given posterior credible interval length on average for a fixed coverage probability for the difference between two binomial proportions.

Usage

propdiff.alc(len, c1, d1, c2, d2, level = 0.95, equal = TRUE, m = 10000, mcs = 3)

Arguments

len	The desired average length of the posterior credible interval for the difference between the two unknown proportions
c1	First prior parameter of the Beta density for the binomial proportion for the first population
d1	Second prior parameter of the Beta density for the binomial proportion for the first population
c2	First prior parameter of the Beta density for the binomial proportion for the second population
d2	Second prior parameter of the Beta density for the binomial proportion for the second population
level	The fixed coverage probability of the posterior credible interval (e.g., 0.95)
equal	logical. Whether or not the final group sizes (n1, n2) are forced to be equal: when equal = TRUE, final sample sizes n1 = n2; when equal = FALSE, final sample sizes (n1, n2) minimize the expected posterior variance given a total of n1+n2 observations
m	The number of points simulated from the preposterior distribution of the data. For each point, the length of the highest posterior density interval of fixed coverage probability level is estimated, in order to approximate the average length. Usually 10000 is sufficient, but one can increase this number at the expense of program running time.
mcs	The Maximum number of Consecutive Steps allowed in the same direction in the march towards the optimal sample size, before the result for the next upper/lower bound is cross-checked. In our experience, mcs = 3 is a good choice.

Details

Assume that a sample from each of two populations will be collected in order to estimate the difference between two independent binomial proportions. Assume that the proportions have prior information in the form of Beta(c1, d1) and Beta(c2, d2) densities in each population, respectively. The function propdiff.alc returns the required sample sizes to attain the desired average length len for the posterior credible interval of fixed coverage probability level for the difference between the two unknown proportions.

This function uses a fully Bayesian approach to sample size determination. Therefore, the desired coverages and lengths are only realized if the prior distributions input to the function are used for final inferences. Researchers preferring to use the data only for final inferences are encouraged to use the Mixed Bayesian/Likelihood version of the function.

Value

The required sample sizes (n1, n2) for each group given the inputs to the function.

Note

The sample sizes are calculated via Monte Carlo simulations, and therefore may vary from one call to the next.

Author(s)

Lawrence Joseph [e-mail], Patrick Bélisle and Roxane du Berger

References

Joseph L, du Berger R, and Bélisle P.
Bayesian and mixed Bayesian/likelihood criteria for sample size determination
Statistics in Medicine 1997;16(7):769-781.

See Also

propdiff.acc, propdiff.modwoc, propdiff.woc, propdiff.mblacc, propdiff.mblalc, propdiff.mblmodwoc, propdiff.mblwoc

Examples

propdiff.alc(len=0.05, c1=3, d1=11, c2=11, d2=54)

SampleSizeProportions documentation built on Aug. 23, 2023, 1:09 a.m.