Organizational research: Determining appropriate sample size in survey research

Abstract

The determination of sample size is a common task for many organizational researchers. Inappropriate, inadequate, or excessive sample sizes continue to influence the quality and accuracy of research. This manuscript describes the procedures for determining sample size for continuous and categorical variables using Cochran’s (1977) formulas. A discussion and illustration of sample size formulas, including the formula for adjusting the sample size for smaller populations, is included. A table is provided that can be used to select the sample size for a research problem based on three alpha levels and a set error rate. Procedures for determining the appropriate sample size for multiple regression and factor analysis, and common issues in sample size determination are examined. Non-respondent sampling issues are addressed.