Sample size crucial: Study reveals guidelines for accurate statistical analysis.
The article provides guidelines on how to determine the right sample size for different statistical techniques like Factor Analysis, Regression Analysis, and Cluster Analysis. The size of the sample needed depends on the specific technique and the nature of the research. For example, for Factor Analysis, you need 200 respondents for 10 items, and for Regression Analysis, you need 15-20 observations for each predictor variable. The significance of results can vary based on sample size, with larger samples making small differences seem significant. In general, the sample size needed for different techniques ranges from 15 cases per measured variable for Structural Equation Modeling to no specific rule for Cluster Analysis.