Review Notes 8

Sample Size Determination

Contents

Competencies Covered 1

Key Points 1

Determining the Sample Size 1

Criteria in Determining the Sample Size 1
Strategies in Determining Sample Size 2
Sampling Procedure 5
Determining the Length of the Confidence Interval 7
Length of the Confidence Interval of a Population Mean 8
Length of the Confidence Interval of a Population Proportion 12
Determining the Minimum Sample Size 14
Determining the Minimum Sample Size to Estimate the Population Mean 14
Determining the Minimum Sample Size to Estimate the Population Proportion 15
Solving Problems Involving Sample Size Determination 17
Synthesis 20

Practice 23

Tips 26

On Selecting a Sampling Procedure 26

On Determining the Minimum Sample Size 26
Tips for Answering Question 7 27
References 27

Answer Key 28
 Review Notes 8
Sample Size Determination

Competencies Covered
In this note, we will discuss the important concepts about the
following competencies:
● identify and compute for the length of the confidence
interval;
● compute for an appropriate sample size using the length of
the interval, and
● solve problems involving sample size determination.

Key Points
Determining the Sample Size
● A sample is a part of a population determined by sampling
procedures where its size is determined as 𝑛.

Criteria in Determining the Sample Size

● The level of precision is used to estimate the true value of a
population. It is also known as the sampling error.
○ The level of precision is usually expressed as
percentage points.
● The level of confidence, also known as the risk level, is the
probability that the sample obtained is the representative of
the true population value.
○ Note that as the number of sample increases, the
mean of the sample approaches the population mean.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 1

 ● The degree of variability is the distribution of attributes in the population. The more
heterogenous a population is, the larger the sample size needed to obtain a specific
level of precision.
○ A proportion of 50% has a greater degree of variability than either 30% or 70%
as it is the maximum variability in a population.

Strategies in Determining Sample Size

● If a population is small enough and the researchers have the appropriate resources, it
is possible to use the entire population as a sample. A census can be conducted for
small populations.
○ A small population of around 200 elements or less provides data on all
individuals to achieve the desired level of precision. This strategy best fits when
the researcher’s main objective is to have a good level of precision.
● The sample size of a past similar study can be used as a guide for the new study.
However, it is recommended to review the procedures done in the previous studies to
avoid repeating errors.
● The Slovin’s Formula can be used in determining the number of samples of a
population given a specific margin of error.
○ This formula is used when there is nothing known about the behavior of the
population.

𝑁
𝑛=
1 + 𝑁𝑒 2
where
𝑛 is the number of samples,
𝑁 is the number of population, and
𝑒 is the margin of error.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 2

 Example:
To determine the appropriate sample size from a population of 500 with a 2% margin
of error, we can use the Slovin’s formula.

Let 𝑁 = 500 and 𝑒 = 0.02.

𝑁
𝑛=
1 + 𝑁𝑒 2
500
=
1 + 500(0.02)2
500
=
1.2
≈ 417

Thus, the sample size that can be used for the study is 𝑛 = 417.

● We can use the following tables to determine the appropriate sample size given the
size of the population and the precision level needed.

Table 1. Sample size for ±5%, ±7%, and ±10% precision levels where the confidence level
is 95% and 𝑝 = 0.5.
Size of Sample size (𝒏) for precision (𝒆) of
population ±𝟓% ±𝟕% ±𝟏𝟎%
100 81 67 51
125 96 78 56
150 110 86 61
175 122 94 64
200 134 101 67
225 144 107 70
250 154 112 72
275 163 117 74
300 172 121 76
325 180 125 77
350 187 129 78

RN8. Sample Size Determination 3

 375 194 132 80
400 201 135 81
425 207 138 82
450 212 140 82

Table 2. Sample size for ±3%, ±5%, ±7%, and ±10% precision levels where the confidence
level is 95% and 𝑝 = 0.5.
Size of Sample size (𝒏) for precision (𝒆) of
population ±𝟑% ±𝟓% ±𝟕% ±𝟏𝟎%
a
500 222 145 83
a
600 240 152 86
a
700 255 158 88
a
800 267 163 89
a
900 277 166 89
a
1 000 286 169 91
2 000 714 333 185 95
3 000 811 353 191 97
4 000 870 364 194 98
5 000 909 370 196 98
6 000 938 375 197 98
7 000 959 378 198 99
8 000 976 381 199 99
9 000 989 383 200 99
10 000 1 000 385 200 99
15 000 1 034 390 201 99
20 000 1 053 392 204 100
25 000 1 064 394 204 100
50 000 1 087 397 204 100
100 000 1 099 398 204 100
>100 000 1 111 400 204 100
a
The entire population must be sampled.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 4

 Sampling Procedure
● A probability sampling is a sampling procedure where every element of a population
is given an equal chance of being selected. The different kinds of probability sampling
are as follows:
○ A simple random sampling is done by drawing lots or using the random
function of a scientific calculator. Every element of the population has the same
chance of being selected.

Example:
Researchers may place the names of the participants on a fishbowl and
determine who will be part of the sample by drawing names on that bowl.

○ A systematic random sampling involves the random selection of one of the

first 𝑘 elements in an ordered population and the systemic selection of every
𝑘𝑡ℎ element thereafter. In this situation, one element is chosen at random from
the first 𝑘𝑡ℎ elements, and then every 𝑘𝑡ℎ element thereafter is included in the
sample.

Example:
Given a list of names of students in a certain class, a researcher may select
every 3rd person from that list to determine the participants of his study.

○ A stratified random sampling involves selecting a simple random sample

from each of a given number of subpopulations proportionally. Each
subpopulation is called a stratum (plural: strata). The grouping may be done in
different ways such as income grouping, gender, educational attainment, race,
age, and others.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 5

 Example:
A researcher is conducting a research on the use of educational videos for
studying. He decided to divide his respondents according to educational
attainment: junior high school students, senior high school students, and
college students. The participants in each stratum are selected randomly and
there are equal number of participants per stratum.

○ A cluster sampling involves performing a sampling method to a smaller area

if the population is too big. The population may be divided by regions, divisions,
or districts.

Example:
A group of researchers are conducting a study on the popularity of the
President in the province of Cebu. To do this, they divided the population
according to the different cities in Cebu.

● A nonprobability sampling is a sampling procedure where not every element of the

population is given an equal chance of being selected as sample.

○ In convenience sampling the researchers’ convenience is the primary concern

in using this method.

Example:
A teacher may choose to select his students as respondents of his study since
this is more convenient to him rather than going to another school.

○ In judgment sampling, the sampler decides who will or will not be included in
a sample.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 6

 Example:
A group of researchers are conducting a study about the self-confidence of
social media users. They may choose whether they will include a person in their
study or not based on the kind of photos that he or she posts.

○ In quota sampling, the sample composition must reflect the makeup of the
population on some preselected characteristics and it often has a nonrandom
component.

Example:
A group of researchers are conducting a study about how people select
politicians that they will vote. They decided to interview 50 males and 50
females for their study. In this case, they interviewed people in a nearby
shopping mall until they reached their quota.

Determining the Length of the Confidence Interval

● There are several ways to determine the length of the confidence interval of a
population mean. We have to consider if the population standard deviation is known
or not and the sample size.
● The confidence coefficient describes the confidence level or the narrowness of the
margin of error from the sample statistical measure.
● The Finite Population Correction Factor is used to correct the standard error of the
sample mean where the sample is obtained without replacement and the sample size
is at least 5% of the total population. The formula is as follows:

𝑁−𝑛
𝐹𝑃𝐶 = √
𝑁−1

where 𝑁 is the population size and 𝑛 is the sample size.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 7

 Example:
In a given study, the population size is 𝑁 = 5 000 and the sample size is 𝑛 = 300. Note
that the sample size is 6% of the population size. Thus, the Finite Population Correction
Factor should be used.

Let 𝑁 = 1 000 and 𝑛 = 300.

𝑁−𝑛
𝐹𝑃𝐶 = √
𝑁−1

5 000 − 300
=√
5 000 − 1

4 700
=√
4 999
≈ 0.9696

Thus, 𝐹𝑃𝐶 ≈ 0.9696.

Length of the Confidence Interval of a Population Mean

When the Population Standard Deviation is Known

● Using the confidence interval, the population mean 𝜇 of a set of data can be estimated
using the following formula

𝜎 𝜎
𝑥 − 𝑧α/2 ( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 + 𝑧α/2 ( )
√𝑛 √𝑛
where
𝑥 is the sample mean,
𝜇 is the population mean,
𝑛 is the sample size,
𝑧α/2 is the confidence coefficient,
𝜎 is the population standard deviation, and
𝜎
𝑧α/2 ( ) is the margin of error.
√𝑛

RN8. Sample Size Determination 8

 ● At 95% confidence level, the confidence coefficient is 𝑧α/2 = 1.96. However, at 99%
confidence level, the confidence coefficient is 𝑧α/2 = 2.58.
○ For other confidence levels, the confidence coefficient can be determined using
the Table of Areas under the Normal Curve or the 𝑧-table.

● If the sample size 𝑛 is at least 5% of the population size 𝑁, we will multiply the margin
of error by the value of the Finite Population Correction Factor. As such, the formula
will be as follows:

𝜎 𝑁−𝑛 𝜎 𝑁−𝑛
𝑥 − 𝑧α/2 ( )⋅√ < 𝜇 < 𝑥 + 𝑧α/2 ( ) ⋅ √
√𝑛 𝑁−1 √𝑛 𝑁−1

Example:
In a certain study, the population size is 𝑁 = 10 000 and the sample size is 𝑛 = 100. The
sample mean is 𝑥 = 42.3 and the population standard deviation is 𝜎 = 12.46.
Determine the length of the confidence interval of the population mean at 95%
confidence level.

Since 𝑛 = 100 and 𝑁 = 10 000, the sample size is 1% of the population. This means that
the FPC is not needed in the formula. Since we are dealing with a 95% confidence level,
the value of the confidence coefficient is 𝑧α/2 = 1.96.

Now that we have all the necessary values, we can now start computing for the length
of the confidence interval of the population mean.

𝑁 = 10 000
𝑛 = 100
𝑥 = 42.3
𝜎 = 12.46
𝑧α/2 = 1.96

RN8. Sample Size Determination 9

 𝜎 𝜎
𝑥 − 𝑧α/2 ( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 + 𝑧α/2 ( )
√𝑛 √𝑛
12.46 12.46
42.3 − 1.96 ( ) < 𝜇 < 42.3 + 1.96 (
)
√100 √100
42.3 − 1.96(1.246) < 𝜇 < 42.3 + 1.96(1.246)
42.3 − 2.44216 < 𝜇 < 42.3 + 2.44216
39.85784 < 𝜇 < 44.74216
39.86 < 𝜇 < 44.74

Therefore, at 95% confidence level, the population mean is estimated to be between

39.86 and 44.74.

When the Population Standard Deviation is Unknown

● If the population standard deviation 𝜎 is not given, the sample standard deviation 𝑠
and the 𝑡-statistic are used to determine the confidence interval that estimates the
population mean.

𝑠 𝑠
𝑥 −𝑡( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )
√𝑛 √𝑛

where
𝑥 is the sample mean,
𝜇 is the population mean,
𝑛 is the sample size,
𝑡 is the confidence coefficient using the 𝑡-statistic,
𝑠 is the sample standard deviation, and
𝑠
𝑡 ( ) is the margin of error.
√𝑛

RN8. Sample Size Determination 10

 ● Similarly, we will use FPC if the sample size 𝑛 is at least 5% of the population size 𝑁.

𝑠 𝑁−𝑛 𝑠 𝑁−𝑛
𝑥 −𝑡( )⋅√ < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )⋅√
√𝑛 𝑁−1 √𝑛 𝑁−1

Example:
In a certain study, the population size is 𝑁 = 200 and the sample size is 𝑛 = 20. The
sample size is 𝑥 = 12.5 and the sample standard deviation is 𝑠 = 3.25. Determine the
length of the confidence interval of the population mean at 95% confidence level.

Since 𝑛 = 20 and 𝑁 = 200, the sample size is 10% of the population. This means that
we will use the FPC in the formula.

We are dealing with a 95% confidence level. The value of the confidence coefficient 𝑡
can be determined using the 𝑡-distribution table. To do this, let us determine first the
degrees of freedom 𝑑𝑓.
𝑑𝑓 = 𝑛 − 1
= 20 − 1
= 19

Since 𝑑𝑓 = 19 and the confidence level is 95%, we can determine the value of 𝑡 using
the 𝑡-distribution table. Note that we will have to look at the 0.025 column since this is
two-tailed.

Thus, 𝑡 = 2.093.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 11

 Let us now determine the length of the confidence interval of the population mean.

𝑁 = 200
𝑛 = 20
𝑥 = 12.5
𝑠 = 3.25
𝑡 = 2.093

𝑠 𝑁−𝑛 𝑠 𝑁−𝑛
𝑥 −𝑡( )⋅√ < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )⋅√
√𝑛 𝑁−1 √𝑛 𝑁−1

3.25 200 − 20 3.25 200 − 20

12.5 − 2.093 ( )√ < 𝜇 < 12.5 + 2.093 ( )√
√20 200 − 1 √20 200 − 1
12.5 − 1.4466 < 𝜇 < 12.5 + 1.4466
11.0534 < 𝜇 < 13.9466
11.05 < 𝜇 < 13.95

Thus, at 95% confidence level, the population mean is estimated to be between 11.05
and 13.95.

Length of the Confidence Interval of a Population Proportion

● The intervals which estimates the population proportion 𝑝 of a set of data are solved
using a confidence interval given by the following formula:

𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂
𝑝̂ − 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ < 𝑝 < 𝑝̂ + 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √
𝑛 𝑛

where
𝑝 is the population proportion,
𝑝̂ is the sample proportion with 𝑞̂ = 1 − 𝑝̂ ,
𝑧α/2 is the confidence coefficient,
𝑛 is the sample size, and
𝑝̂𝑞̂
𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ 𝑛 is the margin of error.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 12

 ● The FPC can also be used if the sample proportion is at least 5% of the population
proportion.

𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ 𝑁−𝑛 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ 𝑁−𝑛
𝑝̂ − 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ ⋅ √ < 𝑝 < 𝑝̂ + 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ ⋅ √
𝑛 𝑁−1 𝑛 𝑁−1

Example:
Fifty Filipino teens were asked if they have plans to work abroad after they graduate.
It was found out that 35% of them are planning to work abroad. Determine the length
of the confidence interval of the population proportion at 99% confidence level.

Since 50 Filipino teens were asked in this study, it follows that 𝑛 = 50. The population
size is not given in the problem, but we can infer that the population refers to the total
number of Filipino teens. Thus, we can say that 𝑛 = 50 is less than 5% of the population
size, since the number of Filipino teens must be large. This means that we do not need
to use FPC in our confidence interval.

The proportion of Filipino teens who plans to work abroad is 35%. Thus, 𝑝̂ = 0.35.
Using this, we can compute for 𝑞̂ .

𝑞̂ = 1 − 𝑝̂
= 1 − 0.35
= 0.65

Since the confidence level is 99%, the value of the confidence coefficient is 𝑧α/2 = 2.58.
Using these values, we can now determine the length of the confidence interval of the
population proportion.

𝑝̂ = 0.35
𝑞̂ = 0.65
𝑛 = 50
𝑧α/2 = 2.58

RN8. Sample Size Determination 13

 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂
𝑝̂ − 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ < 𝑝 < 𝑝̂ + 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √
𝑛 𝑛

0.35 ⋅ 0.65 0.35 ⋅ 0.65

0.35 − 2.58√ < 𝑝 < 0.35 + 2.58√
50 50
0.35 − 0.1740 < 𝑝 < 0.35 + 0.1740
0.1760 < 𝑝 < 0.5240

Therefore, at 99% confidence interval, the population proportion is estimated to be

between 17.6% and 52.4%.

Determining the Minimum Sample Size

Determining the Minimum Sample Size to Estimate the Population Mean

● To determine the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population mean, the
following formula can be used:

𝑧α/2 ⋅ 𝜎 2
𝑛=( )
𝐸

where
𝑧α/2 is the confidence coefficient
𝜎 is the population standard deviation
𝐸 is the margin of error or the level of precision, and
𝑛 is the sample size.

Example:
Determine the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population mean of a
population with a population standard deviation of 𝜎 = 13.41. The estimated
population mean should be accurate within 3 points of the actual population mean
with a 95% confidence level.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 14

 In the given problem, it is given that 𝜎 = 13.41. Since the confidence level is 95%, it
follows that the confidence coefficient is 𝑧α/2 = 1.96.

Since the estimated population mean should be accurate within 3 points of the actual
population mean, it follows that 𝐸 = 3.

Using these values, we can now determine the minimum sample size needed to
estimate the population mean.

𝑧α/2 ⋅ 𝜎 2
𝑛=( )
𝐸
1.96 ⋅ 13.41 2
=( )
3
≈ 77

It follows that the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population mean is
𝑛 = 77.

Determining the Minimum Sample Size to Estimate the Population Proportion

● To determine the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population
proportion, the following formula can be used:

𝑧α/2 2
𝑛 = 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ ( )
𝐸

where
𝑧α/2 is the confidence coefficient,
𝑝̂ is the estimated proportion of an attribute,
𝑞̂ is equal to 1 − 𝑝̂ ,
𝐸 is the margin of error or the level of precision, and
𝑛 is the sample size.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 15

 Example:
A music streaming provider wants to determine the proportion of listeners who listen
a certain girl group. Previous survey has shown that the proportion of listeners who
listen to that group is 75%. Determine the minimum number of sample size needed to
estimate the population proportion if the estimated proportion must be within 3% of
the actual proportion and with a confidence level of 95%.

In the given problem, we can determine that 𝑝̂ = 0.75 since this represents the
estimated proportion based on the previous study. Using this, we can determine the
value of 𝑞̂.

𝑞̂ = 1 − 𝑝̂
= 1 − 0.75
= 0.25

Since the estimated proportion must be within 3% of the actual proportion, it follows
that 𝐸 = 0.03. Also, since the confidence level is 95%, it follows that 𝑧α/2 = 1.96.

Using these values, we can now determine the minimum sample size needed to
estimate the population proportion.

𝑧α/2 2
𝑛 = 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ ( )
𝐸
1.96 2
= (0.75)(0.25) ( )
0.03
≈ 800

Therefore, the minimum number of sample size needed to estimate the population
proportion is 𝑛 = 800.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 16

 Solving Problems Involving Sample Size Determination
● In dealing with problems involving the length of the confidence interval, make sure to
check if we need to estimate the population mean or the population proportion, since
they use different formulas for their confidence interval.
● Moreover, if the population mean is being asked to estimate, we must check if the
population standard deviation is given or not. If it is given, we will use 𝑧α/2 as the
confidence coefficient. It if is not, we will use 𝑡.

Example:
A school principal wants to estimate the population mean of the scores of the students
in a national examination. She decided to use her 101 students as sample. She is able
to determine that the mean of her sample is 87.51 with a sample standard deviation
of 23.51. Estimate the population mean of the scores with a confidence level of 95%.

In the given problem, we are given with a sample size of 𝑛 = 101, a sample mean of
𝑥 = 87.51 and a sample standard deviation of 𝑠 = 23.51. The population standard
deviation is not given. Thus, the formula that we will use is as follows:

𝑠 𝑠
𝑥 −𝑡( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )
√𝑛 √𝑛

Let us determine if we need the FPC in this problem. Note that the sample size in the
problem is 𝑛 = 101. The population size is not given. However, the context of the
problem states that the population refers to the students in the entire country since
this is a national examination. Because of this, we can safely say that the sample size
𝑛 = 101 is less than 5% of the population since the population is very large. Thus, we
do not need to use the FPC in our problem.

We can determine the confidence coefficient 𝑡 using the 𝑡-distribution table. Let us
begin by determining the degrees of freedom 𝑑𝑓.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 17

 𝑑𝑓 = 𝑛 − 1
= 101 − 1
= 100

Since we are dealing with a confidence level of 95%, we will take a look at the column
under 0.025. It follows that the confidence coefficient is 𝑡 = 1.984.

Let us determine the length of the confidence interval of the population mean.

𝑥 = 87.51
𝑡 = 1.984
𝑠 = 23.51
𝑛 = 101

𝑠 𝑠
𝑥 −𝑡( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )
√𝑛 √𝑛
23.51 23.51
87.51 − 1.984 ( ) < 𝜇 < 87.51 + 1.984 ( )
√101 √101
87.51 − 4.6412 < 𝜇 < 87.51 + 4.6412
82.8688 < 𝜇 < 92.1512
82.87 < 𝜇 < 92.15

Therefore, at 95% confidence level, the estimated population mean is between 82.87
and 92.15.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 18

 ● In answering problems where you need to determine the minimum sample size
needed, make sure to check if we are going to estimate the population mean or the
population proportion, since they use different formulas.

Example:
Shannen wants to estimate the height of 6-year-old Filipino children. A previous study
has shown that the population standard deviation is 𝜎 = 8.53 cm. Determine the
minimum number of sample size needed to estimate the population mean if the
margin of error must be within 2 cm of the actual population mean and with a 95%
confidence level.

In the given problem, we know that the population standard deviation is 𝜎 = 8.53 cm.
The margin of error must be within 2 cm of the actual population mean. This means
that 𝐸 = 2. Lastly, the confidence level is 95%, which means that the confidence
coefficient is 𝑧α/2 = 1.96.

Let us determine the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population mean.

𝜎 = 8.53
𝑧α/2 = 1.96
𝐸=2
𝑧α/2 ⋅ 𝜎 2
𝑛=( )
𝐸
1.96 ⋅ 8.53 2
=( )
2
≈ 70

Thus, the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population mean is 𝑛 = 70.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 19

 Synthesis
● In determining the length of the confidence interval, there are several formulas that we
can use.
○ To estimate the population mean when the population standard deviation is
known, we use the following formula:

𝜎 𝜎
𝑥 − 𝑧α/2 ( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 + 𝑧α/2 ( )
√𝑛 √𝑛

○ To estimate the population mean when the population standard deviation is

unknown, we use the following formula:

𝑠 𝑠
𝑥 −𝑡( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )
√𝑛 √𝑛

○ To estimate the population proportion, we use the following formula:

𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂
𝑝̂ − 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ < 𝑝 < 𝑝̂ + 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √
𝑛 𝑛

○ Note that if the sample size is at least 5% of the population size, we need to
multiply the margin of error by the Finite Population Correction Factor.

𝑁−𝑛
𝐹𝑃𝐶 = √
𝑁−1

● In determining the minimum sample size needed, there are several formulas that we
can use.
○ To determine the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population
mean, we use the following formula:

𝑧α/2 ⋅ 𝜎 2
𝑛=( )
𝐸

RN8. Sample Size Determination 20

 ○ To determine the minimum sample size needed to estimate the population
proportion, we use the following formula:

𝑧α/2 2
𝑛 = 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ ( )
𝐸

● In solving problems involving the sample size determination, let us remember the
following guidelines.
○ In problems involving estimating the length of the confidence interval, we
should check if we are estimating the population mean or the population
proportion. If we are estimating the population mean, we should also check if
the population standard deviation is given or not.
○ In problems involving the minimum number of sample size needed, we
should check if the given contains a population standard deviation or an
estimated proportion.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 21

 Determining the Length of the Confidence Interval

What is being asked to estimate in the problem?

Population mean Population proportion

Is the population standard 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂ 𝑝̂ 𝑞̂

deviation known? 𝑝̂ − 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √ < 𝑝 < 𝑝̂ + 𝑧α/2 ⋅ √
𝑛 𝑛

No

Yes 𝑠 𝑠
𝑥 −𝑡( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 +𝑡( )
√𝑛 √𝑛

𝜎 𝜎
𝑥 − 𝑧α/2 ( ) < 𝜇 < 𝑥 + 𝑧α/2 ( )
√𝑛 √𝑛

RN8. Sample Size Determination 22

 Practice
Shade the circle beside the correct answer for each question.

1. What term refers to the probability that the sample obtained is the representative of
the true population value?
◯ degree of variability
◯ level of precision
◯ level of confidence
◯ correlation coefficient

2. When should we use the Finite Population Correction Factor in determining the
length of a confidence interval?
◯ if the sample size is at least 5% of the population size
◯ if the sample size is at most 5% of the population size
◯ if the population standard deviation is known
◯ if the population standard deviation is unknown

3. A researcher wants to determine a sample size from a population with size 𝑁 = 1 000
with a margin of error of 5%. What is the appropriate sample size according to the
Slovin’s formula?
◯ 𝑛 = 385
◯ 𝑛 = 285
◯ 𝑛 = 384
◯ 𝑛 = 286

4. From a population of size 𝑁 = 50 000, a sample of size 𝑛 = 8 000 is drawn. What is the
value of the FPC?
◯ 𝐹𝑃𝐶 = 1.0911
◯ 𝐹𝑃𝐶 = 0.9165
◯ 𝐹𝑃𝐶 = 0.8400
◯ 𝐹𝑃𝐶 = 1.1905

RN8. Sample Size Determination 23

 5. From a population of size 𝑁 = 5 000, a sample of size 𝑛 = 200 is drawn. The sample
mean is 𝑥 = 14.15 and the population standard deviation is 𝜎 = 3.57. What is the
length of the confidence interval of the population mean at 99% confidence level?
◯ 13.66 < 𝜇 < 14.64
◯ 13.50 < 𝜇 < 14.80
◯ 13.67 < 𝜇 < 14.63
◯ 13.51 < 𝜇 < 14.79

6. In a certain study, the estimated proportion is 𝑝̂ = 0.3. What is the minimum number
of sample size needed to estimate the population proportion if the estimated
proportion must be within 2% of the actual proportion and with a confidence level of
95%?
◯ 𝑛 = 1 183
◯ 𝑛 = 3 495
◯ 𝑛 = 2 017
◯ 𝑛 = 683

7. Macy plans to conduct a study on the living conditions of prisoners in a local jail. She
plans to interview some prisoners. From a list of 200 prisoners, she plans to select
every 15th person from the list. What kind of sampling procedure is being shown in
this situation?
◯ Simple random sampling
◯ Stratified random sampling
◯ Systematic random sampling
◯ Quota sampling

RN8. Sample Size Determination 24

 8. A group of researchers is conducting a study on the average weekly profit of street
vendors in Bacoor. Based on previous studies, the population standard deviation of
the average weekly profit of street vendors was ₱1 456.71. From their sample of size
𝑛 = 200, they found out that the average weekly profit is ₱2 145.00. What is the
estimated average weekly profit of the street vendors at 95% confidence level?
◯ between ₱1 879.25 and ₱2 410.75
◯ between ₱2 130.72 and ₱2 159.28
◯ between ₱1 943.11 and ₱2 346.89
◯ between ₱2 126.21 and ₱2 163.79

9. A candy company wants to test if their new candy will be liked by Filipino children.
They selected 50 children as participants of the study. Based from their test, 37 of
them likes the new candy. What is the estimated proportion of Filipino children who
likes their new candy at 99% confidence level?
◯ between 58.00% and 90.00%
◯ between 61.84% and 86.16%
◯ between 13.84% and 38.16%
◯ between 10.00% and 42.00%

10. Mina wants to estimate the mean of the standby time of a certain brand of phone.
She wants her estimate to be within 0.2 hours from the actual population mean at
95% confidence level. Based from the previous study, the population standard
deviation is 𝜎 = 0.81 hours. How many phones should she test for her study?
◯ 109 phones
◯ 63 phones
◯ 89 phones
◯ 45 phones

RN8. Sample Size Determination 25

 Why is it important to have a procedure in determining a sample?

Tips
On Selecting a Sampling Procedure
● In determining the sampling procedure for your study, make sure to consider the
variables of your study. The randomness in selecting the participants of your study is
necessary so that bias in selecting participants would be avoided.
● As much as possible, we try to avoid selecting participants just because it is
convenient to the researcher, but there are instances where it cannot be avoided,
especially if we are restrained by time or money.

On Determining the Minimum Sample Size

● The formulas presented in this lesson allows us to determine the minimum sample
size needed, but only for the purpose of estimating the population mean or the
population proportion.
● You may need to use different sampling techniques if you are going to use your
sample in a different purpose, such as determining samples that will serve as control
and experimental groups for a causal-comparative research.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 26

 Tips for Answering Question 7
● To help us determine the sampling procedure used in this situation, we must
consider if the procedure used is a probability sampling or a nonprobability
sampling.
● If the participants are selected randomly and each participant have an equal chance
of being selected, then a probability sampling is applied. Otherwise, it is a
nonprobability sampling.
○ In the given question, the participants are systematically selected, and each
participant have an equal chance of being selected.
● From here, we can now determine what kind of sampling technique is used.

References
Bhat, Adi. “Quota Sampling: Definition, Steps, Examples and Advantage,” Question Pro.
Accessed from https://www.questionpro.com/blog/quota-sampling/, 28 December
2019.

Glen, Stephanie. “Slovin’s Formula: What is it and When do I use it?” Statistics How To.
Accessed from https://www.statisticshowto.datasciencecentral.com/how-to-use-
slovins-formula/, 28 December 2019.

Hayes, Adam. “Stratified Random Sampling,” Investopedia. Accessed from

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/stratified_random_sampling.asp, 28 December
2019.

Statistics Canada. “Non-probability sampling,” Accessed from

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/edu/power-pouvoir/ch13/nonprob/5214898-
eng.htm, 28 December 2019.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 27

 Answer Key
Answers to Multiple Choice
1. Level of confidence
2. If the sample size is at least 5% of the population size
3. 𝑛 = 286
4. 𝐹𝑃𝐶 = 0.9165
5. 13.50 < 𝜇 < 14.80
6. 𝑛 = 2 017
7. Systematic random sampling
8. Between ₱1 943.11 and ₱2 346.89
9. Between 58.00% and 90.00%
10. 63 phones

Possible answer and explanation to HOTS Question

Having an appropriate sampling procedure is necessary so that we can ensure that
the sample that we will obtain represents the population properly. As much as
possible, we select the participants of the study randomly so that we can avoid having
selection bias. Although there may be cases that we would employ nonprobability
sampling, these cases must be indicated properly so that the selection of participants
would still be acceptable.

RN8. Sample Size Determination 28