Resampling-based Software for Estimating Optimal Sample Size

Software SISSI implements a novel approach to estimate the optimal sample size in experimental data collection. It supplies a visual evaluation system for sample size determination, derived from resampling-based procedure (namely, jackknife). The approach is based on intensive use of the data sample by systematically taking sub-samples of the original data set and calculating mean and standard deviation for each of sub-samples. This approach does not get across the typical limitations of conventional methods, not requiring data matching any statistical assumption. Visual, easy-to-interpret provisions are supplied to display the variation of means and standard deviations as size of generated samples increases. An automatic option for identification of optimal sample size is given, targeting at the size for which it becomes negligible the rate of change of means. A manual option can be applied alternatively. Ideal application of SISSI is in supporting the collection of plant and soil samples from field-grown crops, but it holds potential for a more general application. SISSI is developed in Visual Basic and runs under Windows systems. The installation package includes the software files and a hypertext help file. SISSI is available for free to interested users for non-profit applications.

CONFALONIERI Roberto;  ACUTIS Marco;  BELLOCCHI Gianni;  GENOVESE Giampiero; 

2007-11-16

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

JRC33931

1364-8152,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC33931,   

10.1016/j.envsoft.2007.02.006,