Balancing the Number and Size of Sites: An Economic Approach to the Optimal Design of Cluster Samples

Luke Connelly (l.connelly@uq.edu.au)

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: The design of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) entails decisions that have economic, as well as statistical implications. In particular, the choice of an individual or cluster randomisation design may affect the cost of achieving the desired level of power, other things equal. Furthermore, if cluster randomisation is chosen, the researcher must decide how to balance the number of clusters, or "sites", and the size of each site. This paper investigates these interrelated statistical and economic issues. Its principal purpose is to elucidate the statistical and economic trade-offs to assist researchers to employ RCT designs that have desired economic, as well as statistical, properties.

Keywords: Cluster sample; optimal design; economic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C42 C93 D24 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2003
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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