sample size was small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sample size was small" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing research findings or statistical analysis to indicate that the number of participants or observations was limited. For example, "The results should be interpreted with caution, as the sample size was small." Alternative expressions include "the sample size was limited" and "the sample size was insufficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sample size was small, but the numbers supported him.

The New York Times - Sports

The sample size was small – 15 subjects – and the dermatologist says he plans to conduct additional research.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sample size was small, the authors write, and it is impossible to generalize the findings to a larger population.

The New York Times - Health

The authors cautioned that the sample size was small and the findings preliminary, but their caution was not heeded.

The New York Times - Magazine

And third, the sample size was small.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Fourth, the sample size was small.

JA Clinical Reports

First, the study sample size was small.

Sports Medicine - Open

Although the sample size was small, the results were encouraging with this group of teens.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

As the sample size was small, we conducted non-parametric test on the data.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

First, our sample size was small and this may prevent our results from being generalized.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

However, as the sample size was small, we conducted non-parametric test on the data.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sample size was small", acknowledge potential limitations in your research and suggest further studies with larger samples to confirm your findings.

Common error

Avoid making strong generalizations based on results derived from a small sample size. Acknowledge the limited scope and suggest caution when interpreting the findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sample size was small" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (sample size). It's used to express a limitation or qualification regarding the scope or reliability of a study, survey, or data set. As stated by Ludwig, the numbers supported him.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sample size was small" is a common and grammatically correct way to acknowledge a limitation in research. It serves as a disclaimer, suggesting the results may not be widely applicable. Predominantly used in scientific and academic writing, it highlights the need for cautious interpretation of findings and encourages further investigation with larger, more representative samples. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific publications and news articles, emphasizing the importance of considering sample size when evaluating research outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sample was limited

Emphasizes restriction or constraint on the available data.

the number of participants was low

Focuses on the quantity of subjects involved in the study.

the study group was small

Highlights the size of the cohort under investigation.

there were few subjects

Points out the scarcity of individuals included in the research.

the data set was limited

Emphasizes restriction on the amount of information gathered.

the participant pool was limited

Focuses on the narrowness of individuals involved in the study.

the cohort size was insufficient

Highlights that the group was inadequate.

the study had low statistical power

Indicates the study might not be able to detect a statistically significant difference.

the sample size was inadequate for generalization

Emphasizes the difficulty to extrapolate the results to the wider public.

the accuracy estimates were relatively imprecise

Highlights how a low sample size impacts the measurement.

FAQs

How does a small sample size affect research?

A small sample size can limit the statistical power of a study, making it harder to detect true effects and potentially leading to unreliable conclusions. It also affects the ability to generalize findings to a larger population. As Ludwig AI says, studies should be interpreted with caution because the sample size was small.

What are some alternatives to saying "sample size was small"?

You can use phrases like "the sample was limited", "the number of participants was low", or "the study group was small" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Why is it important to mention if the sample size was small in a study?

Mentioning that the "sample size was small" is crucial for transparency and allows readers to critically evaluate the study's limitations. It helps to avoid overinterpretation of the results and encourages further research with larger samples to validate the findings.

What are the implications of a small sample size for statistical analysis?

With a small sample size, statistical tests may have low power, increasing the risk of failing to detect a real effect (Type II error). Non-parametric tests are often used when the "sample size was small", as mentioned by Ludwig AI.