Statistical Power in the Journal of Research in Music Education (2000-2010): A Power of the Field Survey

• In Event: Diverse Approaches to Music Education Research

Abstract

Statisticians have often written about insufficient statistical power in social science research; that is, likelihood of missing true effects (Type II error). Studies in education are among the worst in this regard, and some estimates place the average chances to detect medium effects as little better than a coin toss. Retrospective power surveys are often performed to determine prevalence of Type II error across bodies of research to guide reporting practices. The Journal of Research in Music Education is arguably the profession’s most prominent research journal, but has not yet been examined in this regard. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to calculate average statistical power and Type II error rates presented in JRME research reports from 2000–2010

Author

• Corin Tyler Overland, University of Miami