Lesson 4 Sample Size Determination

LESSON 4
SAMPLE SIZE
DETERMINATION
SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION
� Sample size determination is the mathematical estimation of number
of subjects/ units included in the study
� What a representative sample is taken from a population, finding a
generalized to the population.
� Optimum sample size determination is required for the following
reasons:
a. To allow for appropriate analysis
b. To provide the desired level of accuracy
c. To allow validity of significance test.
Sample size criteria
The level of precision is also called sampling error. It Is the range in

which the true value of the population is estimated to be. This range is
often expressed in percentage points, e, g. (+-5 percent), in the same way
that results for political campaign polls are reported by the media.
The level of confidence or risk
Based on ideas encompassed under the central limit theorem. E.g a

95% confidence level is selected, 95 out of 100 samples will have the
true population value within the range of precision.
The degree of variability
It refers to the distribution of attributes in the population. The more heterogeneous a

population, the larger the sample size required to obtain a given level of precision. The less
variable (more homogeneous) a population, the smaller the sample b size A proportion of 50
% indicates a greater level of variability than either 20% or 80%. This is because 20% and
80% indicate that a large majority do not or do, respectively, have the attribute of interest. A
proportion of 0.5 indicates the maximum variability in a population, it is often used in
determining a more conservative sample size, that is, the sample size may be larger than if
the true variability of the population attribute were used.
STRATEGIES FOR
DETERMINING SAMPLE
SIZE
1. Census for small populations
 One approach is to use the entire population as the sample.

 Although cost considerations make this impossible for large populations.
 Attractive for small populations (e.g., 200 or less).
 Eliminates sampling error and provides data on all the individuals in the population.
 Some costs such as questionnaire design and developing the sampling frame are
“fixed,” that is, they will be the same for samples of 50 or 200.
 Finally, virtually the entire population would have to be sampled in small populations
to achieve a desirable level of precision
2. Imitating a sample size of similar studies
 Use the same sample size as those of studies similar to the one you plan
(Cite reference).
 Without reviewing the procedures employed in these studies you may
run the risk of repeating errors that were made in determining the
sample size for another study.
 However, a review of the literature in your discipline can provide
guidance about “typical” sample sizes that are used.
3. Using published tables
 Published tables provide the sample size for a given set of criteria.
 Necessary for given combinations of precision, confidence levels and variability.
 The sample sizes presume that the attributes being measured are distributed
normally or nearly so.
 Although tables can provide a useful guide for determining the sample size, you
may need to calculate the necessary sample size for a different combination of
levels of precision, confidence, and variability
4. Applying formulas to calculate a sample size
�
 Sample size can be determined by the application of one of several
mathematical formulae.
 Formula mostly used for calculating a sample for proportions.
Example:
 For populations that are large, the Cochran (1963:75) equation yields a
representative sample for proportions.
Fisher equation, Mugenda etc.
NOTE:
 Where n0 is the sample size,
 Z 2 is the abscissa of the normal curve that cuts off an area at the
tails; (1 – α) equals the desired confidence level, e.g., 95%);
 e is the desired level of precision,
 p is the estimated proportion of an attribute that is present in the
population, and q is 1-p.
 The value for Z is found in statistical tables which contain the area
under the normal curve. e.g. Z = 1.96 for 95 % level of confidence
Example:
�
Suppose
we wish to evaluate a statewide. Extension program in which farmers were
encouraged to adopt a new practice. Assume there is a large population but that we do not
know the variability in the proportion that will adopt the practice; therefore, assume p=.5
(maximum variability). Furthermore, suppose we desire a 95% confidence level and ±5%
precision.
= = 385 farmers
SLOVIN’S (Simplified Formula for Proportions)
�
 n is the sample size
 N is the population size
 e is the level of precision
Example: Find out what sample of a population of 1000 people you need to
take for a survey on their soda preference. Confidence level of 95%; giving
you an alpha level of 0.05
n = _n = = 285.714286 N = 286
Use of software in sample size determination depending on type of
study and specific software. Some information will be required:
 Population sample size, population standard deviation, population sampling

error, confidence level, z –value, power of study etc …
 80% power in a clinical trial means that the study has a 80% chance of
ending up with a p value of less than 5% in a statistical test (i.e. a
statistically significant treatment effect) if there really was an important
difference (e.g. 10% versus 5% mortality) between treatments.
G*POWER
G*POWER is a FREE program that can make the calculations a lot easier
http://www.psycho.uni-duesseldorf.de/abteilungen/aap/gpower3/ Faul, F.,
Erdfelder, E., Lang, A.-G., & Buchner, A. (2007). G*Power 3: A flexible statistical
power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences.
Behavior Research Methods, 39, 175-191.
G*Power computes:
 power values for given sample sizes, effect sizes, and alpha levels (post hoc
power analyses),
 sample sizes for given effect sizes, alpha levels, and power values (a priori
power analyses)
 suitable for most fundamental statistical methods
Note – some tests assume equal variance across groups and assume using pop SD (which
are likely to be est from sample)

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LESSON 4

The level of precision is also called sampling error. It Is the range in

Based on ideas encompassed under the central limit theorem. E.g a

It refers to the distribution of attributes in the population. The more heterogeneous a

 One approach is to use the entire population as the sample.

 Population sample size, population standard deviation, population sampling

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