In your response to your classmate provide feedback on the proposed sample size for their research proposal. Do you agree with their reasoning, why or why not?
500 sample size large vs small
The sample is an essential part to a research study; it is used to make inferences about a population and produces sufficient statistical power for research study. A proper sample size is essential to create an accurate picture of a proposed question or intervention.1Using a large sample is more representative of a population that has several variables and also broadens data and range of information. There are lower chances of bias and confounding factors.
Large samples also identify possible risks, and negatives to an intervention because the study is applied on several different individuals. When using a sample size researchers are risking validity and reliability of data produced. 2Studies that involve living subjects for treatment a small sample size is wasting time and resources and putting subjects at harm because negative affects to the treat across various individuals and subjects is not being recorded. Larger sample sized identify more factors that a small sample size would could not.
For my study that questions whether increased female education decreases maternal and infant mortality. I will study a total of 500 families in rural Bangladesh who have lost a child under the age of 1 years old and or a sister, mother, daughter or wife during child birth, pregnancy, or within two weeks of pregnancy termination in the last five years. My sample will include families from different districts of Bangladesh and they will be categorized according to whether they lost a child or female family member.
The deceased infants and female family members will be categorized according to cause of death, age, and level of education. My study is primarily based on surveys that will depend on answers based off of memory hence why it is important to have such a large sample size. I will also try to understand what other factors in the last 5 years might have impacted the change in rate of infant and maternal mortality. My large sample size will help to prevent recall bias and reporting mistakes.
Resources
[1] Patel, M. X. "Challenges In Recruitment Of Research Participants". Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 9.3 (2003): 229-238. Web. 2 Feb. 2017.
[2] Lenth, R. "Some Practical Guidelines for Effective Sample-Size Determination." Accessed February 2017