Survey Samples: Size and Methods

Grow your skills with Coursera Plus for $239/year (usually $399). Save now.

Survey Samples: Size and Methods

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: LearningMate

Included with

Learn more

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

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

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 videosTotal 14 minutes

The Two Worlds of Sampling8 minutes
A Visual Guide to Choosing a Sampling Method6 minutes

2 readingsTotal 12 minutes

A Closer Look at Sampling Techniques7 minutes
Career Focus: Your Skills in Quantitative Research5 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 20 minutes

Hands-On Learning: Select and Justify the Method15 minutes
Knowledge Check: Sampling Method Concepts5 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.

What's included

1 video2 readings2 assignments

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

LearningMate

274 Courses17,046 learners

Offered by

Coursera

Explore more from Business Strategy

University of Michigan
Data Collection: Online, Telephone and Face-to-face
Course
University of California, Davis
Quantitative Research
Course
University of Michigan
Sampling People, Networks and Records
Course
Queen Mary University of London
Research Methodologies
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.