modest sample size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest sample size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing research or data collection to indicate that the number of subjects or observations is relatively small. Example: "The study's findings should be interpreted with caution due to the modest sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As shown by small sampling errors of the estimates, allele frequencies can be precisely estimated with a modest sample size (400).

BMC Cancer

Although preliminary due to the modest sample size, the findings encourage a larger scale investigation with greater statistical power to evaluate competing models of genetic influence.

Personality and Individual Differences

The team makes efforts to relate the magnitude of the AGN contribution to the merger stage of the system (from beginning to coalescing stages), but their modest sample size limited the generality of the conclusions.

Harvard University

Interpreting these findings is not easy, especially given the relatively modest sample size.

Forbes

LIMITATIONS Limitations included modest sample size, self-report measures, and unmeasured potential confounders.

Duke University

However, due to the modest sample size, further assessment of MPO and TnI is needed.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Overall, while EWAS are highly complex and subject to similar challenges as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we demonstrate that an epigenetic meta-analysis with a relatively modest sample size can be well-powered to identify epigenetic associations.

Duke University

The exponential distribution is simple with only one parameter, hence the estimation can be quite reliable despite modest sample size.

Plosone

The additive genetic effects in both generations can well be estimated with a modest sample size (say 400) for a small heritability (0.1).

Plosone

Using the extensively validated APOE locus, we previously demonstrated that intermediate traits enhance statistical power to detect associations, even in studies of modest sample size.

Plosone

It displays adequate power for the detection of high-order epistasis with a modest sample size; for example, 400 cases vs. 400 controls.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "modest sample size", explicitly state how it might affect the results or generalizability of your study.

Common error

Avoid making broad generalizations or definitive claims when your study is based on a "modest sample size". Acknowledge the limitations and suggest avenues for further research with larger samples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest sample size" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase combined with a noun. It qualifies the noun "sample size", indicating that the sample is of a limited or moderate quantity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is generally considered correct and usable in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

Academia

10%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest sample size" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a limitation that researchers often acknowledge when the number of participants or observations in their study is relatively small. This can affect the statistical power and generalizability of the findings. Alternatives such as "small sample size" or "limited sample size" can be used interchangeably depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, be sure to explicitly state the potential implications of the "modest sample size" on your research conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small sample size

Replaces "modest" with "small", emphasizing the limited quantity.

limited sample size

Substitutes "modest" with "limited", highlighting constraints imposed by the sample size.

relatively small sample

Adds "relatively", emphasizing that the size is small compared to something else.

smaller sample size

Uses the comparative form "smaller", implying a comparison to a desired or expected size.

moderate sample size

Replaces "modest" with "moderate", indicating a slightly larger size than "small" but still not large.

constrained sample size

Replaces "modest" with "constrained", underlining the limitations imposed on the study.

restricted sample size

Uses "restricted" to indicate that the sample size is limited or confined.

manageable sample size

Emphasizes the practical aspect of the size being easy to handle.

economical sample size

Focuses on the cost-effectiveness of using a smaller sample.

sufficiently small sample

Highlights that the sample size is small but adequate for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How does a "modest sample size" affect research findings?

A "modest sample size" can limit the statistical power of a study, potentially leading to a failure to detect significant effects or to make broad generalizations. Results should be interpreted with caution, as they may not be representative of the larger population.

What are some alternatives to saying "modest sample size"?

You can use alternatives like "small sample size", "limited sample size", or "relatively small sample" depending on the context.

Is it always a disadvantage to have a "modest sample size"?

While a larger sample size is often desirable, a "modest sample size" can be sufficient for detecting large effects or when resources are limited. Pilot studies, for example, often utilize smaller samples to gather preliminary data before larger-scale investigations.

How to justify the use of a "modest sample size" in a research paper?

Justify the use of a "modest sample size" by acknowledging the limitations, explaining the rationale behind the chosen size (e.g., resource constraints or pilot study), and carefully interpreting the results within the context of these limitations. Discuss potential implications for future research with larger samples.