Discussion: Unit of Analysis and Sample Size

Quantitative researchers must give serious consideration to the unit of analysis, the most elementary part of what is to be studied. Units of analysis can vary in scope, ranging from individuals to groups to institutions and beyond. Once the appropriate unit of analysis has been identified, the researcher can then start to address initial concerns such as the required sample size. Determination of the unit of analysis also impacts, but is not limited to, decisions regarding research design, data collection methods, and data analysis decisions, just to name a few.

To prepare for this Discussion, review the seminal article by Francis et al. (1999). Then review Rubric item 2.6b in the DBA Doctoral Rubric and Research Handbook. Think about the “who” or “what” you will need to use as your unit of analysis.

By Day 3

Post an assessment of the impact of the unit-of-analysis selection in quantitative doctoral business research. In your assessment, do the following:

• Describe the importance of ensuring the unit of analysis aligns with the doctoral research purpose.
• Explain the broader implications of selecting the incorrect unit of analysis on the practice to business.
• Analyze the relationship between sample size for the chosen unit of analysis and statistical power.
• Justify how and why the unit of analysis for you proposed quantitative study is appropriate for your research question.

Be sure to support your work with a minimum of two specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and at least one additional scholarly source.

Reference

Faul, F., Erdfelder, E., Buchner, A., & Lang, A.-G. (2009). Statistical power analysis using G*Power 3.1: Tests for correlation and regression analyses. Behavior Research Methods, 41(4), 1149–1160. doi:10.3758/BRM.41.4.1149

Francis, J. R., Stokes, D. J., & Anderson, D. (1999). City markets as a unit of analysis in audit research and the re-examination of big 6 market shares. ABACUS, 35(2), 185–206. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-6281

Green, S. B., & Salkind, N. J. (2017). Using SPSS for Windows and Macintosh: Analyzing and understanding data (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research methods for business students (7th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education Unlimited.

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