Survey Samples: Size and Methods

This course is part of Advanced Survey Design & Statistical Analysis Specialization

Instructor: LearningMate

Access provided by IT Education Association

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Select appropriate sampling methods and calculate the statistically valid sample size to design reliable survey research.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

4 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Advanced Survey Design & Statistical Analysis Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 2 modules in this course

Survey Samples: Size and Methods is a foundational course for aspiring market research analysts and professionals designing statistically sound studies. It builds essential quantitative skills to move from guesswork to confident, data-driven research design. You will learn the key differences between probability and non-probability sampling and how to select the proper method for any research objective.

The course emphasizes practical application, guiding you through calculating valid sample sizes using confidence levels and margins of error, with hands-on practice using a sample size calculator to ensure reliable, defensible results. By the end of this course, you will be able to justify your methodological choices and design surveys that deliver trustworthy, decision-ready insights—balancing rigor with real-world business constraints of speed and cost.

This module introduces the fundamental difference between sampling methods. You will learn to distinguish between probability (random) and non-probability methods and understand how this choice affects the validity of your research. Using real-world examples like the US election polls, you will learn to classify standard techniques and choose the most appropriate method for different business scenarios, as well as the influence of objectives and constraints on method choice. In academic research, probability sampling is often required to support generalizable claims. In business and market research, however, method choice is guided by decision context, constraints, and intended use of the findings. This course focuses on professional research design, where the goal is actionable insight—not academic publication.

What's included

2 videos2 readings2 assignments

2 videos Total 14 minutes

The Two Worlds of Sampling 8 minutes
A Visual Guide to Choosing a Sampling Method 6 minutes

2 readings Total 12 minutes

A Closer Look at Sampling Techniques 7 minutes
Career Focus: Your Skills in Quantitative Research 5 minutes

2 assignments Total 20 minutes

Hands-On Learning: Select and Justify the Method 15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Sampling Method Concepts 5 minutes

This module demystifies sample size calculation. You will learn about the three key statistical inputs—confidence level, margin of error, and population variance—that determine a valid sample size. Through hands-on practice with an in-browser calculator, you will master the skill of determining the minimum number of participants needed for a statistically reliable study. Sample size decisions are not purely mathematical. In professional research settings, they balance statistical rigor with cost, timeline, and access to respondents. In academic research, probability sampling is often required to support generalizable claims. In business and market research, however, method choice is guided by decision context, constraints, and intended use of the findings. This course focuses on professional research design, where the goal is actionable insight—not publication.