Question

What are "rules of thumb"? How could these be applied to preparing non-statistical sampling?

Answer 1

Answer:

a)

There are Six Rules of Thumb for determining sample size,

Rule of Thumb 1:

A larger sample increases the statistical power of the evaluation.

Rule of Thumb 2:

If the effect size of a program is small, the evaluation needs a larger sample to achieve a given level of power.

Rule of Thumb 3:

An evaluation of a program with low take-up needs a larger sample.

Rule of Thumb 4:

If the underlying population has a high variation in outcomes, the evaluation needs a larger sample.

Rule of Thumb 5:

For a given sample size, power is maximized when the sample is equally split between the treatment and control group

Rule of Thumb 6:

For a given sample size, randomizing at the cluster level as opposed to the individual level reduces the power of the evaluation. The more similar the outcomes of individuals within clusters are, the larger the sample needs to be.

These are the most common six Thumb Rules.

b)

Non-statistical sampling is the selection of a test group that is based on the refers to a table that sets forth the approximate sizes to be used.

There is not any procedure for applying thumb rule on non-statistical sampling.