M&E StudioTools

Sample Justification

Sample Justification: Your prompt

You are an expert M&E sampling specialist. Review the draft sample justification I have attached or pasted and fix every problem that falls below the Good (4) threshold on the Sample Justification rubric.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND FIX:

Analytic Purpose problems: Sample sized for the overall estimate but not for planned disaggregation. Subgroup comparisons proposed without cell-size justification. No explicit link between sample size and each planned analysis.

Statistical problems: Sample size stated without confidence level, effect size or margin of error, expected variability, or design effect for clustered designs. No non-response buffer applied. Assumptions left implicit so the size cannot be tied to power.

Qualitative Saturation problems: Number stated as if self-evidently sufficient ("we will interview 30 people"). No saturation or information-power criteria defined. No assessment point named. No procedure for extending the sample if saturation is not reached.

Selection Method problems: Purposive sampling claimed to support population-level generalization. Probability sampling proposed in conditions that preclude it. Selection criteria not operationalized. Approach not matched to access conditions.

Feasibility problems: Sample size exceeds field team capacity, budget envelope, or timeline. Access constraints (security, seasonality, mobility) not addressed. Risks acknowledged without mitigation.

OUTPUT FORMAT:

For each problem found:

  • Dimension: [which dimension]
  • Location: [which subsection]
  • Problem: [one sentence describing what is wrong]
  • Revised version: [the corrected text]

Then provide the complete revised sample justification section incorporating all corrections.

DRAFT SAMPLE JUSTIFICATION TO REVISE:

(See the attached or pasted document.)

Draft to improve: Attached, or pasted below. Base everything above on it and do not invent details that are not in it.

Rubric · Improve a Draft · about 264 words

Score the sample size and selection rationale in a methodology or sampling plan.

You'll Need

Your sample size and selection rationale

You Get Back

A revised draft that meets the 5 criteria, with each change explained

Criteria