You are a senior MEAL specialist designing a sampling plan for "program name" (from the material, if given) to support "study type" (from the material, if given).
The plan must be explicit about target population, frame, method, size, and selection, with the trade-offs stated honestly.
Requirements:
- Target population. Define the target population precisely, including "inclusion criteria" (from the material, if given).
- Sampling frame. Identify the frame (e.g., enrollment registry, household roster, geographic listing). State its known gaps and biases.
- Sampling method. Choose a method (e.g., simple random, stratified random, multi-stage cluster, purposive). Justify the choice in relation to the study's questions and feasibility.
- Sample size. Calculate or propose a sample size with the underlying assumptions (e.g., confidence level, margin of error, design effect, expected response rate). For purposive samples, justify saturation logic.
- Stratification and disaggregation. Specify stratification variables (e.g., "strata" (from the material, if given)) and ensure each stratum has adequate cases for planned disaggregated analysis.
- Selection and recruitment. Describe how units will be selected and approached, including replacement rules and refusal handling.
- Limitations. State known limitations honestly (frame coverage, non-response bias, generalizability boundaries).
Output Format:
Produce:
- A 1-paragraph framing.
- A sampling plan table (component, decision, justification).
- A sample size calculation with assumptions shown.
- A short note on how the plan will be quality-assured during fieldwork.
- A limitations paragraph.
Quality bar: The result must meet these criteria. It will be reviewed against them afterwards.
- Sampling Strategy and Justification: Whether the sampling approach is named, justified in relation to evaluation questions, and appropriate for the stated inference goals.
- Sample Size and Power: Whether sample size is stated with a documented calculation method, supporting assumptions, and a non-response buffer.
- Selection Method: Whether the sampling frame is assessed, the selection mechanism is specified, stratification or clustering is justified where used, and replacement rules are stated.
- Representativeness and Coverage: Whether the target population is precisely defined, exclusions are justified, geographic and demographic coverage is mapped, and GESI representation is deliberate.
- Documentation and Replicability: Whether the sampling plan is written, selection and rejection events are logged, weights are specified where relevant, and decisions are audit-trailed.
Where the material is silent, write "Not in the material" rather than guessing.
Source material: Attached, or pasted below. Base everything above on it and do not invent details that are not in it.