Gridsampler – A Simulation Tool to Determine the Required Sample Size for Repertory Grid Studies

Authors

  • Mark Heckmann University of Bremen, Institute for Psychology and Transfer, Methods and Evaluation Department https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0736-7417
  • Lukas Burk University of Bremen, Institute for Psychology and Transfer, Methods and Evaluation Department

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/jors.150

Keywords:

repertory grid, content analysis, sample size, simulation, R

Abstract

The repertory grid is a psychological data collection technique that is used to elicit qualitative data in the form of attributes as well as quantitative ratings. A common approach for evaluating multiple repertory grid data is sorting the elicited bipolar attributes (so called constructs) into mutually exclusive categories by means of content analysis. An important question when planning this type of study is determining the sample size needed to a) discover all attribute categories relevant to the field and b) yield a predefined minimal number of attributes per category. For most applied researchers who collect multiple repertory grid data, programming a numeric simulation to answer these questions is not feasible. The gridsampler software facilitates determining the required sample size by providing a GUI for conducting the necessary numerical simulations. Researchers can supply a set of parameters suitable for the specific research situation, determine the required sample size, and easily explore the effects of changes in the parameter set.

Author Biography

Mark Heckmann, University of Bremen, Institute for Psychology and Transfer, Methods and Evaluation Department

Researcher at the Methods and Evaluation department at the Institute for Psychology and Transfer, University of Bremen, Germany.

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Published

2017-01-10

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Software Metapapers

License

Copyright (c) 2017 The Author(s)

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