SIZE OF SAMPLE:
Large samples are more representative of the population of interest than the sinall samples. There are no specific rdes for determining the desired sample size. If the researcher uses the probability sampling method smaller samples are needed than non probability sampling.
A sample size of minimum 30 will be adequate according Poscoe (1975), but it can bc as large 100, 500, 1000, etc. Most nursing studies are limited to small convenient samples. Generalization to total population is usually difficult to make with any degree of confidence. The use of small samples dictates the need for studies to be replicated. If several investigators find similar results, generalization to other population are more appropriate.