Maintaining a high retention rate is vital for several reasons:
Validity: High retention rates increase the validity of the findings by ensuring that the sample remains representative of the population. Bias: Low retention rates can introduce bias, as the characteristics of those who drop out may differ from those who remain. Statistical Power: A low retention rate can reduce the statistical power of a study, making it difficult to detect significant associations. Ethics: Ensuring participants remain in the study respects their time and contributions, adhering to ethical guidelines.
