Leonard G. Johnson, Editor                                                Wang H. Yee, Director 

The Sample Size Answer

My dear friend, don't you know

The sampling question is one of dough?

It all depends on losses and gains,

and whether a buyer brags or complains.

The proper level of confidence

Will tell which sample size makes sense.

To stay in business you must ask,

What level of confidence will do the task.

This level of confidence will in turn

Require a sample that can earn.

Your earnings will then show a pace

Exceeding the losses you must face.

The factor in favor or making gains

Will prevent the losses from giving you pains.

So, my dear friend, just study and learn

How each size sample can lose or earn.

Then you will know the proper size

A sample must have to economize.

Leonard G. Johnson

June 2, 1979