In order to perform verify validity of a hypothesis what will be the minimum sample size ? I only have 45 samples, would that be enough? Is it okay do conduct a qualitative analyzing methods to validate the hypothesis?
Hello Dinusha,
The answer depends on what your specific research aim might be. If the goal is to estimate some population characteristic with some target degree of precision (at some target confidence level), then 45 cases might be too few, too many, or just right. There are on-line calculators for sample size for these type situations that you may helpful, such as this one: https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/sample-size-calculator/
If you intend to test a specific hypothesis, then a free calculator such as g*power can give you a better idea of what sort of sample size would be required (https://www.psychologie.hhu.de/arbeitsgruppen/allgemeine-psychologie-und-arbeitspsychologie/gpower).
If your study is a qualitative study, then, again, your specific research aim coupled with your inquiry approach and sampling method should be the means for guiding a decision about sample size. In a purely ethnographic perspective, 45 would generally be considered a pretty substantial sample size.
Good luck with your work.
Hi Dinusha, what is your hypothesis?
I suggest calculating sample size based on power of our hypothesis.
Sample Size Rule
Sekaran (2013) 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 sub-samples;(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."
Reference
Sekaran, U., 2003. Research methods for business: A skill building approach. John Wiley & Sons.
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