According to maximum precision, the optimal pilot sample size would be 70. According to minimum cost, it would be 1 or 2. But an equilibrium between maximum precision and minimum cost should be researched, according to a given criterium of optimization which it must be explicit.
According to maximum precision, the optimal pilot sample size would be 70. According to minimum cost, it would be 1 or 2. But an equilibrium between maximum precision and minimum cost should be researched, according to a given criterium of optimization which it must be explicit.
Pilot study
Saunders et al., (2007) state that prior to using the questionnaire to collect data it should be pilot tested. Saunders et al., (2007) point out the purpose of the pilot test is to refine the questionnaire so that the respondents will have no problems in answering the questions and also there will be no problems in recording the data
Fink (2003b) as cited in Saunders et al., (2007) state that the minimum number for a pilot study is 10.
For the main study
Sekaran (2003) wrote:
Roscoe (1975) proposes the following rules of thumb for determining sample size:
1. Sample sizes larger than 30 and less than 500 are appropriate for most research.
2. Where samples are to be broken into subsamples; (male/females, juniors/
seniors, etc.), a minimum sample size of 30 for each category is necessary.
3. In multivariate research (including multiple regression analyses), the sample size should be several times (preferably 10 times or more) as large as the number of variables in the study.
4. For simple experimental research with tight experimental controls (matched pairs, etc.), successful research is possible with samples as small as 10 to 20 in size.
References
Sekaran, U., 2003. Research methods for business: A skill building approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Saunders, M.N., 2007. Research methods for business students, 5/e. Pearson Education India.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Sampling Design
- Sample Size