Comparing 2 Proportions: Sample Size Parameters - Quick Tab

Select the Quick tab of the Comparing 2 Proportions: Sample Size Parameters dialog box to access options to establish the basic parameters for analyzing sample size for the tests for comparing two independent proportions.

Fixed Parameters

The entries in the boxes under Fixed Parameters establish the fixed, or baseline, parameters for subsequent sample size calculations and graphs. Parameters that are not varied explicitly as the independent (X-axis) variables in a graphical analysis will be set equal to these values.

Pi1

In the Pi1 box, enter the population proportion for the population from which group 1 was sampled.

Pi2

In the Pi2 box, enter the mean for the population from which group 2 was sampled.

N1

In the N1 box, enter the sample size for group 1 in the analysis.

N2

In the N2 box, enter the sample size for group 2 in the analysis.

Alpha

In the Alpha box, enter the type I error rate for the overall significance test.

Power Goal

In the Power Goal box, enter the minimum acceptable power, for which a minimum sample size is calculated. If the search for an acceptable sample size is successful, the actual power of the statistical test will be greater than or equal to this value.

Type of Calculation

Use the options under Type of Calculation to control operation of the dialog box controls for N1 and N2, and to select whether or not the test statistic employs a continuity correction.

Equal N

Select the Equal N check box to limit group 1 and group 2 to the same sample size. If this check box is selected, N1 and N2 are constrained to be equal, only the N1 edit field is enabled, and N2 is varied in synchrony with N1. If the check box is not selected, N1 and N2 can be varied independently.

Continuity Correction

Select the Continuity Correction check box to correct the Z-statistic for continuity.

Type of Hypothesis

Use the option buttons under Type of Hypothesis to determine the type of null hypothesis tested by the Z-statistic.

2-tailed (Pi1 = Pi2)

Select the 2-tailed (Pi1 = Pi2) option button to use null and alternative hypotheses of the form

H₀: π₁ = π₂    H₁: π₁ ¹  p₂

1-tailed (Pi1 <= Pi2)

Select the 1-tailed (Pi1 <= Pi2) option button to use null and alternative hypotheses of the form

H₀: π₁ ≤  π₂    H₁: π₁  >  p₂

1-tailed (Pi1 >= Pi2)

Select the 1-tailed (Pi1 >= Pi2) option button to use null and alternative hypotheses of the form

H₀: π₁  ³  p₂    H₁: π₁  <  p₂