UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

NAME : TANAKA GODWIN TASIWEYI

PROGRAM : MANFPS

REG NO : R237338W

LEVEL : 1.1

YEAR : 2023

ASSIGNMENT 3

Discuss methods of estimating sample size in survey

According to Sing and Masuku (2014), for well-developed survey programmes through their national
statistical offices, sample size may be determined by use of an already existing sample, one that has been
designed for other purposes. This is the recommended option for your survey if the existing sample is a
valid probability sample and is available. The existing sample must be evaluated to see if it meets the
requirements of probability sampling (MULTIPLE INDICATOR CLUSTER SURVEY MANUAL,
2006). These studies 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 this discipline can provide supervision about
typical sample sizes that are used .If the researcher doing research in same field or domain and literature
are available, replicate the sample size of similar studies. The disadvantage of this method is the same
error will carry forward from the previous research what we consider for sample size determination

Another way to determine sample size is to rely on published tables, which provide the sample size for a
given set of criteria. Sample sizes that would be necessary for given combinations of precision,
confidence level and variability. This method estimates sample size using tables that show the required
sample size for a given level of statistical power, significance level, and effect size. The tables usually
contain a variety of different statistical tests such as logistic regression. Additionally the tables provide a
range of probable sample size predicted effect size and other parameters. Using these tables, researchers
can estimate the minimum sample size required to detect a statistically significant effect, with a given
level of confidence.

One approach is to use the entire population as the sample. Although cost considerations make this
impossible for large populations, a census is more attractive for small populations (e.g., 200 or less). A
census eliminates sampling error and provides data on all the individuals in the population. In addition,
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. Therefore, entire population will have to be sampled in small
populations to achieve a desirable level of precision. Finally, virtually the entire population would have to
be sampled in small populations to achieve a desirable level of precision (Israel, 2003).
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. For a
study, various formulas can be used to determine the minimum sample size required. In this case the
sample size can be calculated using the following formula: n = (z-score2 x p x (1-p)) / (margin of error2)
where: - n is the minimum sample size required, - z-score is the number of standard deviations from the
mean that correspond to the desired confidence level, - p is the estimated proportion of the population that
has the characteristic being studied, - margin of error is the maximum amount of error that is
acceptable( Sing and Masuku 2014).

Formulas can be used to determine sample size. The most commonly used formula is the power
calculation" formula, it uses the estimated effect size, significance level, and desired power to determine
the sample size. Sample size can be determined using Finite Population Correction for Proportions. If the
population is small then the sample size can be reduced slightly. This is because a given sample size
provides proportionately more information for a small population than for a large population. Other
formulas such as "equivalence testing" formula, the "tolerance interval" formula, and the "confidence
interval" formula can be used to determine sample size (Taherdoost, 2017).

Sample size can be determined using Internet sample size calculator, which provide the sample size for a
given set of criteria (Sing and Masuku, 2014). Sites such
as:http://www.surveysystem.com/sscalchtmhttp:/ebook.stat.ucla.edu/calculators/sampsize.phtm and
http://www.azplansite.com/samplesize.htm (and many others) provide an interactive way to determine the
sample sizes that would be necessary for given combinations of precision, confidence levels, and
variability. These sites and others similar are designed to provide sample size that: reflects the number of
obtained responses, and not necessarily equals the number of surveys should be mailed or interviews must
be planned.

According to Israel (2003) if the probability sampling designs planned to be used to select the subjects
and inferential statistics only going to be used to analyze the data, the researcher has to stop here and
utilizes the statistical power analysis to determine the sufficient sample size. Power analysis is a statistical
technique that is used to determine the minimum sample size needed to detect a statistically significant
difference between two groups. The Sample Power software that is developed by SPSS or any statistical
software performs power analysis is recommended to be utilized here. Power analysis is commonly used
in hypothesis testing research studies to determine the sample size required to detect a statistically
significant effect. It involves specifying the desired level of statistical power (typically 80% or 90%), the
significance level (often 0.05), the effect size, and the expected variability. Power analysis helps in
estimating the sample size needed to detect an effect of a certain magnitude with a given level of
confidence. As power is increased, sample size increases. The formula for power analysis is: n = (z-
score2 x p x (1-p)) / (δ2) where: n is the minimum sample size required z-score is the number of standard
deviations from the mean that corresponds to the desired confidence level p is the expected proportion of
the population that has and δ is the minimum difference between the two groups that is considered to be
clinically significant (Solanki, 2006).

Sampling method and sample size in research play a vital role in research. Based on the collected sample
data, researcher has to draw the inference on the population, if the sample itself is insufficient the
inference will lead misinterpretation about population, at the same time if the sample size is too big, it
leads to excessive utilization of resources like manpower, time, cost etc.
References

AI-Subaihi, 2003. Influencing factors and calculation strategies for survey research. Saudi Med J 2003;
Vol. 24 (4): 323-330

Drivatar, K. (2021). "Role of the researcher in estimating the sample size for conducting research",
Journal of Economics, Business and Management, Vol. 5 No. 5, pp. 16-22.

Hamed Taherdoost. Determining Sample Size; How to Calculate Survey Sample Size. International
Journal of Economics and Management System, 2017. ffhal-02557333ff

Israel, 2003. Determining sample size. PEOD6. Agriculture Education and Communications Department,
Florida Cooperative Extension Services

Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey Manual, Third Edition" (MICS3) (United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF), 2006).

Singh and Masuku, 2014. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES & DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE IN
APPLIED STATISTICS RESEARCH: AN OVERVIEW. International Journal of Economics, Commerce
and Management. Vol. II, Issue 11, Nov 2014. SSN 2348 0386.

Salganik, 2006. Variance Estimation, Design Effects, and Sample Size Calculations for Respondent-
Driven Sampling. Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, Vol. 83, No.
7 doi: 10.1007/s11524-006-9106-x