To find the sample size for an unknown population, follow these steps:
1. Determine the level of confidence desired for the sample. This is usually expressed as a percentage, such as 95%.
2. Determine the margin of error that is acceptable for the sample. This is expressed as a percentage as well, such as 5%.
3. Estimate the population size, if possible. If the population size is not known, it is typically assumed to be infinite or at least 10 times greater than the sample size.
4. Use a sample size calculator or formula to calculate the required sample size. There are different formulas depending on the type of data being collected, such as for proportions, means or differences between groups.
5. Round the result to the nearest whole number and add a few extra participants to ensure a large enough sample size.
It is important to note that the sample size calculation is based on assumptions about the population and the sampling method, and cannot guarantee a completely representative sample. Therefore, sampling error is always present and should be reported and considered in interpreting the results.
How to find the sample size for unknown population
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