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Module 2
Formula for determining the sample size:
Researchers in different fields want to learn A sample that closely represent the characteristics of the
about a population and describe its properties and population is called a representative sample. This can
characteristics. For instance, Businessman would like be solved by using the Slovin’s Formula:
to find out the most wanted brand of cellphone in the
Market. Medical laboratories would like to determine
the most effective and most popular brand of n
paracetamol to the customers. Political analysts would
like to find out the acceptability and popularity ratings Where: n = sample size
of prominent leaders in the country. In this module, N = population size
you will understand the different sampling techniques, e = margin of error (usually 0.05, since the
determine acceptable sample size and learn the preferred confidence level is 95%)
different methods of collecting data and data
contextualization. Example1: What is the appropriate sample size of the if
the size of the target population is 500 and if the margin
Data that we collect are of two kinds: Internal and of error of 5% is used?
External Data. Internal data are those which are
generated from the activities within the specific firm or
place, while external data are those whose sources are Solution: n
obtained from outside the firm.
A researcher always wishes to achieve unbiased results Example2: If the margin of error in the above example is
in his or her study. One of the best ways to fulfill this is 10%, what is the acceptable sample size?
through the use of random sampling. There are four
types of Random sampling: Simple Random Sampling,
Systematic Sampling, Stratified Sampling and cluster Solution: n
sampling.
In planning statistical research, one should begin by (Note: the higher the margin of error, the smaller is the
determining what questions are to be answered to obtain sample size)
meaningful data. It is frustrating and discouraging to
have collected a set of data, which later will not answer SAMPLING TECHNIQUES:
the problems proposed in the study. Sometimes it is even
impossible to collect data from the research population Two types of Sampling:
that is too large. To avoid this, researchers resort to
sampling techniques. 1. Probability Sampling – samples are chosen in
such a way that each element of the population has a
Sampling – is the process or technique of selecting a known and usually equal chance of being included in the
representative sample from the entire population. sample.
Population – refers to the entire group of 2. Non – Probability Sampling – samples are
individual or objects known to have chosen in such a way that some members of the
similar characteristics. population may not have any chance of being included
in the sample.
Computation:
Cluster or Area Sampling A random sampling technique in which the entire population is broken into small
groups, or clusters, and then, some of the clusters are randomly selected.
Example:
A researcher wants to determine who among the families in a small town are using
the new detergent product. How is she going to do this using the cluster sampling
technique?
Solution:
Divide the population into clusters. Use Barrios as Clusters. Choose the final
barrios by using either the simple random or a systematic sampling.
Convenience Sampling
- The researcher chooses his most preferred
location/venue where he can conduct his study.
Example: Target population is 1,000. 53% women and 47% men. A qouta
sample is obtained when 106 women and 94 men is already met.
The population consists of all elements – individual, items, or objects – whose characteristics are being studied.
The number of elements in a population is called the population size (denoted by N).
A Sample is a portion of the population selected for study. The number of elements in a sample is called the
sample size (denoted by n)
A variable usually takes on several values. But occasionally, a variable can only assume one value, then it is
called a constant. For instance, in a class of fifteen-year old, the age in years of students is constant.Variables
can be broadly classified as either quantitative or qualitative, with the latter further classified into discrete and
continuous types (see Figure below).
Nominal Observed data are merely classified in to various distinct categories in which no ordering is
Scale required.
Ex.
1. Type of Bank Account
2. Religious affiliation
Ordinal Scale Observed data merely classified into distinct categories with ranking implied in which the
difference in rank consistent in direction but n in magnitude.
Ex.
1. Year Level
2. Product satisfaction (VS, S, U, VU)
Interval Scale Observed data are put in an ordered scale in which the difference between the measurements
is a consistent meaningful quantity. (There are numbers below zero) Ex.
1. Body Temperature
2. Measurement of Longitude
Ratio Scale Observed data are put in an ordered scale in which the differences are meaningful and equal
at all points on the scale and a measurement of Zero (or origin) means absence of the attribute
being measured.
Ex.
1. Physical measurement (height, weight)
2. Salary
3. Speed or Acceleration