Abstract
We consider a two- and a three-stage hierarchical design containing the effects of k clusters with n units per cluster. In the two-stage model, the conditional distribution of the discrete response Y(i) is assumed to be independent binomial with mean n(straight theta)i (I=1,....k). The success probabilities, straight theta(i)'s, are assumed exchangeable across the k clusters, each arising from a beta distribution. In the three-stage model, the parameters in the beta distribution are assumed to have independent gamma distributions. The size of each cluster, n, is determined for functions of straight theta(i). Lengths of central posterior intervals are computed for various functions of the straight theta(i)'s using Markov chain Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo simulations. Several prior distributions are characterized and tables are provided for n with given k. Methods for sample size calculations under the two- and three-stage models are illustrated and compared for the design of a multi-institutional study to evaluate the appropriateness of discharge planning rates for a cohort of patients with congestive heart failure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
