Minimum sample size requirements for a validation study of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R)

Martin, Colin R.; Hollins Martin, Caroline J.

Abstract

Introduction: The 10-item Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) is a theoretically anchored and easy to administer
multidimensional measure of the birth satisfaction construct. The use of the BSS-R Internationally has led to an increasing
number of translation and validation studies being conducted. An important consideration for any validation/translation
study of the measure concerns sample size. However, sample size estimations for validation studies are invariably based
on ‘rules of thumb’ that are insensitive to the dynamics of the measure under scrutiny and may consequently lead to
underpowered investigations. The current study sought to determine empirically the minimum sample size for a validation
study of the BSS-R.
Methods: A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted using the parameter specifications of the original BSS-R
validation study as the input model. An extensive series of simulations were conducted to estimate statistical power and
simulation quality for a range of sample sizes (N = 50 to N = 1000). Sample sizes from published BSS-R studies were also
included in the simulations conducted.
Results: Monte Carlo simulations revealed the minimum sample size for a validation study of the BSS-R to be N = 175.
The original BSS-R development study and the US validation study were found to be adequately powered and satisfied
all quality criteria for the simulations. Two published BSS-R studies had insufficient sample size to assure confidence in
avoiding type 1 error.
Conclusion: Sample size estimation for validation studies should be empirically informed to avoid type 1 error and ensure
an adequately powered investigation

Citation

Martin, C. R., & Hollins Martin, C. J. (2017). Minimum sample size requirements for a validation study of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R). Journal of Nursing and Practice, 1(1), 25-30

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 13, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Sep 15, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 15, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 11, 2018
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 25-30
• Keywords: Birth satisfaction; Simulation; Sample size; Questionnaire
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/867437
• Publisher URL: http://scholarlypages.org/Articles/nursing/jnp-1-005.php?jid=nursing
• Contract Date: Jun 7, 2018