Suggested reading material for Raosoft, Inc. Sample Size Calculator

The parameters of the sample size calculation are something that you choose. Your institution or the journal you will be publishing in probably has a policy indicating what level is required of the parameters in various circumstances.

Lang, Thomas & Secic, Michelle, How to Report Statistics in Medicine, American College of Physicians; (January 15, 1997), 367 pages: A series of detailed guidelines for presenting statistical results in biomedical journals focus on how to report statistical information as opposed to computing it. The authors take aim at the numerous mistakes present in medical journals by identifying errors in methodology and presentation, as well as detailing specific types of statistical presentations such as descriptive data, sampling, multiple variable reporting, meta-analyses, Bayesian analyses, and clinical outcomes. Includes illustrations, tests, a reference list of guidelines, and appendices of clinical trial checklists and mathematical formats. Rea, Louis, Designing and Conducting Survey Research, Jossey-Bass; 2nd edition (June 20, 1997), 272 pages: Includes statistical techniques and broader array of exercises, this second edition of Rea and Parker's foundational tool is a complete, practical guide to conducting sample survey research. In a comprehensive manner, it explains all major components of survey research including construction of the instrument, administration of the process, and analysis and reporting of results. Kish, Leslie, Survey Sampling, Wiley; (New edition 1995), 664 pages A reissue of the 1965 classis on sampling techniques for the social science.