Figure 3.

5-2 Districts of Marathwada Region

(Source: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/302/1967/1600/Map_Region_Aurangabad.0.gif)

3.6 Sample Selection and Sample Size

According to Kerlinger (1986), sampling is a portion of a target population or universe as

a representative. According to Cohen (2007), a probability (random) sampling and non-

probability (purposive) sampling are two main strategies for selecting research subjects.

This research adopts a simple random sampling of the probability sampling technique.

According to dissertation.laerd.com (2020), in a simple random sample, the probability

of selecting each respondent has an equal chance from the population of the study. The aim

of the simple random sample is to reduce the potential for human bias in the selection of

cases to be included in the sample. As a result, the simple random sample provides us with

a sample that is highly representative of the population being studied, assuming that there

is limited missing data. Since the units selected for inclusion in the sample are chosen using

probabilistic methods, simple random sampling allows us to make generalizations (i.e.,

statistical inferences) from the sample to the population. This is a major advantage because

such generalizations are more likely to be considered to have external validity.

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Selection of Respondents

The data related to the population of the Sindhi women entrepreneurs is obtained from the

information provided by the Sindhi panchayats and sindhiworld.com, which work closely

with the Sindhi community in the Marathwada region. Based on the information, the

overall population of the Sindhi community in the Marathwada region is near about 12,400

out of 48.15% i.e. 5971 are females and 51.85 % i.e. 6429 are males. Out of the 5971 Sindhi

females, approximate 6 % are engaged in entrepreneurship activities i.e. 358. Thus, the

total population of the respondents is 358. This population of Sindhi women entrepreneurs

engaged in activities like manufacturing, processing, trading, and services.

Sample size determination

According to the University of Regina (2020), to determine the sample size for small

populations, we need to use the normal approximation to the hypergeometric distribution.

Stephanie Glen(2020) explains that the hypergeometric distribution is a probability

distribution that’s very similar to the binomial distribution.

The sample size formulas for small (hypergeometric) populations are shown below

n = N z2 pq / ( E2 (N-1)+ z2pq)

Where
n is the required sample size
N is the population size
p and q are the population proportions. (If we don't know what these are, set them
each to 0.5)
z is the value that specifies the level of confidence we want in our confidence
interval when we analyse our data. Typical levels of confidence for research are
95%, in which case z is set to 1.96.
E sets the accuracy of your sample proportions. ( with an accuracy of plus or
minus 3%, then E is set to 0.03).

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Thus, the calculated sample size is

Table 3.6-1 Sample Size Calculation

N (population size) 358

z (confidence level)- 95% 1.96
E (+- error) 0.03
p 0.5
q 0.5
Required Sample Size 269

From the formula of the hypergeometric distribution, the sample size required for the

research study is 269. To have the representation of all the districts of the Marathwada

region, the expected district-wise respondents are given in the table below.

Table 3.6-2 Districtwise Sindhi Women Entrepreneurs

Sr.no District Sindhi Women Sindhi Women

Population Entrepreneurs

1 Aurangabad 3130 188

2 Jalna 963 58
3 Beed 241 14
4 Osmanabad 193 12
5 Nanded 578 35
6 Parbhani 674 40
7 Latur 144 9
8 Hingoli 48 3
Total 5971 358

In all together 340 questionnaires were distributed among the women entrepreneurs. The

valid responses received and considered for the study are 310.

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