8.1.1.3 - Computing Necessary Sample Size

When we begin a study to estimate a population parameter we typically have an idea as how confident we want to be in our results and within what degree of accuracy. This means we get started with a set level of confidence and margin of error. We can use these pieces to determine a minimum sample size needed to produce these results by using algebra to solve for \(n\):

Finding Sample Size for Estimating a Population Proportion
\(n=\left ( \dfrac{z^*}{M} \right )^2 \tilde{p}(1-\tilde{p})\)

\(M\) is the margin of error
\(\tilde p\) is an estimated value of the proportion

If we have no preconceived idea of the value of the population proportion, then we use \(\tilde{p}=0.50\) because it is most conservative and it will give use the largest sample size calculation.

Example: No Estimate Section

We want to construct a 95% confidence interval for \(p\) with a margin of error equal to 4%.

Because there is no estimate of the proportion given, we use \(\tilde{p}=0.50\) for a conservative estimate.

For a 95% confidence interval, \(z^*=1.960\)

\(n=\left ( \dfrac{1.960}{0.04} \right )^2 (0.5)(1-0.5)=600.25\)

This is the minimum sample size, therefore we should round up to 601. In order to construct a 95% confidence interval with a margin of error of 4%, we should obtain a sample of at least \(n=601\).

Example: Estimate Known Section

We want to construct a 95% confidence interval for \(p\) with a margin of error equal to 4%. What if we knew that the population proportion was around 0.25?

The \(z^*\) multiplier for a 95% confidence interval is 1.960. Now, we have an estimate to include in the formula:

\(n=\left ( \dfrac{1.960}{0.04} \right )^2 (0.25)(1-0.25)=450.188\)

Again, we should round up to 451. In order to construct a 95% confidence interval with a margin of error of 4%, given \(\tilde{p}=.25\), we should obtain a sample of at least \(n=451\).

Note that when we changed \(\tilde{p}\) in the formula from .50 to .25, the necessary sample size decreased from \(n=601\) to \(n=451\).