FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE SAMPLE SIZE IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Many researchers agree that sample size has a two-fold role in research: sample size is inter-connected with statistical analysis of the data and generalisation. Therefore, sample size has attracted a lot of research efforts in all the research fields including educational research. However, little attention has been given to the analysis of factors that influence sample size in educational research. The research question is as follows: what factors influence sample size in educational research? The aim of the research is to analyze factors that influence sample size in educational research underpinning elaboration of a new research question for further studies in educational research. The present research involves a process of analysing the meaning of the key concepts statistical analysis , generalisation , population, sample, measurement procedures, probability sample, information-oriented sample, case and factors . Moreover, the study demonstrates how the key concepts are related to the idea of “sample size”. Explorative research was employed. Interpretive research paradigm was used. The empirical study involved four experts from different countries in February - April 2013. The findings of the research allow drawing the conclusions on factors that influence sample size. Directions of further research are proposed. KEYWORDS: generalization, population, sample, sample size, measurement procedures, probability sample, information-oriented sample, case, factor. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/ 10.15181/atee.v1i0.659