SAMPLE SIZE

“How many participants should be chosen for a

survey”?
One of the most frequent problems in
statistical analysis is the determination of the
appropriate sample size. One may ask why
sample size is so important. The answer to this
is that an appropriate sample size is required
for validity. If the sample size it too small, it will
not yield valid results. An appropriate sample
size can produce accuracy of results.
Moreover, the results from the small sample
size will be questionable. A sample size that is
too large will result in wasting money and time
because enough sample will normally give an
accurate result.
The sample size is typically denoted by n and
it is always a positive integer. No exact sample
size can be mentioned here and it can vary in
different research settings. However, all else
being equal, large sized sample leads to
increased precision in estimates of various
properties of the population.
Take Note!
- Representativeness, not size, is the more
important consideration.
- Use no less than 30 subjects if possible.
- If you use complex statistics, you may need
a minimum of 100 or more in your sample
(varies with method).

Choosing of sample size depends on nonstatistical

considerations and statistical
considerations.
• Non-statistical considerations – It may
include availability of resources, man power,
budget, ethics and sampling frame.
• Statistical considerations – It will include
the desired precision of the estimate.
Three criteria need to be specified to
determine the appropriate sample size:
1. Level of Precision
Also called sampling error, the level of
precision, is the range in which the true value
of the population is estimated to be.
2. Confidence Interval
It is statistical measure of the number of times
out of 100 that results can be expected to be
within a specified range. For example, a
confidence interval of 90% means that results
of an action will probably meet expectations
90% of the time.

3. Degree of Variability
Depending upon the target population and
attributes under consideration, the degree of
variability varies considerably. The more
heterogeneous a population is, the larger the
sample size is required to get an optimum level
of precision.
Methods in Determining the Sample Size
• Estimating the Mean or Average
The sample size required to estimate the
population mean μ to with a level of confidence
with specified margin of error e, given by
where:
Z is the z-score corresponding to level of
confidence.
e is the level of precision.
Take Note:
If When σ is unknown, it is common practice to
conduct a preliminary survey to determine s
and use it as an estimate of σ or use results
from previous studies to obtain an estimate of
σ. When using this approach, the size of the
sample should be at least 30. The formula for
the sample standard deviation s is
Example:
A soft drink machine is regulated so that the
amount of drink dispensed is approximately
normally distributed with a standard deviation
equal to 0.5 ounce. Determine the sample size
needed if we wish to be 95% confident that our
sample mean will be within 0.03 ounce from
the true mean.
Solution: The z – score for confidence level
95% in the z – table is 1.96.