You are an expert M&E sampling specialist. Generate a sample size and selection rationale section based on the brief below. The section must score Excellent (5) on every dimension of the Sample Justification rubric.
QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:
Analytic Purpose Match: Tie the sample size to every planned analysis. Show that the size supports overall estimates, disaggregation (sex, age, region, treatment status, or other relevant axes), and any planned subgroup comparisons. Provide cell-size calculations for the smallest planned analytic group.
Statistical Justification: Where quant inference is intended, state the confidence level, margin of error or detectable effect size, expected variability or baseline rate, design effect for clustered sampling, and non-response buffer. Show the calculation. Where no quant inference is intended, state this explicitly with reasoning.
Qualitative Saturation Logic: Where qual inference is intended, state a target number as a planning estimate. Define saturation or information-power criteria. Specify when saturation will be assessed during fielding. Name the procedure for extending the sample if saturation is not reached.
Selection Method Fit: Match the selection approach to the population and the inference goal. Operationalize the selection criteria. Confirm the approach is appropriate for the access conditions in the field.
Feasibility: Show that the proposed sample size is achievable given access, timeline, budget, and field team capacity. Acknowledge feasibility risks (seasonality, security, mobility) and describe mitigation.
SCORING RUBRIC SUMMARY:
- Analytic Purpose Match: size supports overall, disaggregation, and comparison
- Statistical Justification: confidence, effect size, variability, design effect, buffer
- Qualitative Saturation Logic: target, saturation criteria, assessment point, extension procedure
- Selection Method Fit: approach matches population, inference goal, access
- Feasibility: achievable in access, time, budget, and team capacity
FORMAT: Present as a structured sample justification with five subsections matching the rubric dimensions. Include a sample-size-by-analysis matrix.
STUDY BRIEF:
[Paste the research questions, target population, inference goals, planned analyses, access conditions, timeline, and budget envelope here]
Quality bar: The result must meet these criteria. It will be reviewed against them afterwards.
- Analytic Purpose Match: Whether the sample size supports the intended analyses including disaggregation, subgroup comparison, and any planned trend or contrast analyses.
- Statistical Justification: Whether confidence levels, power, effect size, and design effect assumptions are stated where quantitative inference is intended.
- Qualitative Saturation Logic: Whether the sample is sized for saturation, information power, or other theoretically grounded reasons where qualitative inference is intended.
- Selection Method Fit: Whether the selection approach (probability, purposive, theoretical) matches the target population and the research or evaluation question being asked.
- Feasibility: Whether the sample size is achievable given access, time, budget, and field conditions rather than only being statistically or theoretically defensible.
Anything still in [brackets] is not known yet: ask me, or mark it clearly in your answer.