What is the right sample size to use for a perceptual study?
– TJ TJ: Good question. Im asked this quite often. Lets see if I can clear this up, but it will take two discussions. Youll see what I mean as you read on. However, I first need to say that there is no such thing as the right sample size for a perceptual study. The sample size depends on a variety of considerations. If you know anything about research, you know that there are many tenets (rules) to follow to ensure that the design, sampling, methodology, data analysis, and interpretation are correct, or as correct as they can be. These tenets are important so that the study and the data are as reliable and valid as they can be. (People who conduct research who dont have adequate training cause a huge number of problems. Many people consider that research is easy and anyone can conduct a research project, including music tests. Nothing can be further from the truth and thats why there is so much garbage research floating around, and so much garbage research in the trades and on websites
