Sample Size Calculation Using Krejcie & Morgan
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nanadouglasbuabengSample Size Calculation Using Krejcie & Morgan
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Powered by AIThe margin of error (d) determines the level of precision for the estimates obtained from the sample. In Krejcie & Morgan's model, a smaller margin of error increases the denominator, leading to a smaller calculated required sample size. Conversely, a larger d would allow for more error, hence would demand a larger sample size to maintain accuracy. Thus, this parameter directly influences the trade-off between precision and sample size .
The chi-square value reflects the confidence level in the sample size calculation. In the Krejcie & Morgan formula, a chi-square value of 3.841 corresponds to a 95% confidence level, which signifies that there is only a 5% chance that the true population parameter is not within the confidence interval. This ensures that the results are statistically reliable .
Using Krejcie & Morgan’s formula with N = 500, the numerator is calculated as 3.841 * 500 * 0.5 * (1 − 0.5) = 3.841 * 125 = 480.125. The denominator is (0.05)² * (500 − 1) + 3.841 * 0.5 * 0.5 = 0.0025 * 499 + 0.96025 = 2.2475 + 0.96025 = 3.20775. Therefore, the sample size S = 480.125 / 3.20775 ≈ 149.7, rounded up to 150 .
Changing the confidence level to 99% would increase the chi-square value (approximately 6.635 for 99%), thus increasing the numerator in the sample size formula. This would result in a larger sample size as it reflects a higher need for precision, reducing the likelihood that the population parameter does not fall within the confidence interval .
Assuming a fixed population proportion of 0.5 implies a conservative approach, maximizing required sample size by assuming the highest possible variance (P*(1-P) = 0.25). This assumption might lead to overestimating the needed sample if the true proportion is significantly different, resulting in resource inefficiencies. However, it ensures that the sample size will be sufficient for most practical scenarios .
Choosing a population proportion (P) of 0.5 in Krejcie & Morgan's formula maximizes the product P*(1-P), leading to the maximum variance and thus requiring a larger sample size to achieve the desired precision. This is a conservative approach, covering the widest range of possible outcomes, ensuring the sample size is sufficient regardless of the true proportion .
In assuming an infinite population size (N), the (N−1) term becomes insignificant, effectively removing it from the denominator entirely. This simplifies the Krejcie & Morgan formula to the standard sample size formula for large populations: S = X² * P * (1-P) / d². Consequently, the required sample size becomes independent of N, relying only on the desired confidence level and margin of error .
Choosing P = 0.3 reduces the product P*(1-P) to 0.21, compared to 0.25 when P = 0.5. This decreases the numerator bound in the Krejcie & Morgan formula, thereby reducing the required sample size. Consequently, choosing a different value for P, which is lower, reflects a situation with less variance, allowing for a smaller sample to achieve similar precision .
Increasing the margin of error to 0.10 would decrease the denominator in the Krejcie & Morgan formula, since the term (d² * (N−1)) becomes larger. This indirectly reduces the computed sample size, as a higher margin of error allows the estimator to have a wider interval, thus requiring fewer samples to meet the confidence level criteria .
In the Krejcie & Morgan formula, as population size (N) increases, the required sample size (S) initially increases but at a decreasing rate. This is because the denominator involves (N−1), and as N becomes very large, the effect of additional units decreases due to the fractional change getting smaller. Thus, beyond a point, increases in N contribute minimally to changes in S, illustrating diminishing returns in sample size as N increases .