Sample sizes, scoops and educational science.

摘要

It seems that lately I am being consumed by an obsession with philosophy of science, and the nature (epistemology) of research in medical education. Perhaps it is a natural consequence of a sabbatical (just finished), which often leaves you with too much time on your hands' to think deep thoughts. So this is the third editorial in the series to examine an aspect of our research game. Hopefully, not too much repetition. Three seemingly unrelated personal anecdotes, both recent and ancient: (1) Recently I received an e-mail from a medical student along the lines of: "Dear Dr. Norman. I have a study I want to do. I've met with the chair of the undergraduate program to discuss it, and he suggested I meet with you to do a sample size calculation".