Problem: Article: Your sample size should be statistically valid to produce reliable results. You may want to create sub-samples—e.g., "males," "18-24 year-olds," etc.—to decrease the risk of biasing your results towards certain types of people.  Your sample size requirements depend on how accurate you would like your results to be. The larger the survey size, the more reliable your results become. For example, a survey size of 10 participants leaves you with a very large margin of error (about 32 percent). This would mean that your data are essentially unreliable. However, a sample size of 500 gives you a more reasonable margin of error of 5 percent.  If possible, have your participants report demographic information on your survey. This can be as general or specific as you like. And make sure to put these questions at the beginning of the survey.Be warned, though, that many people avoid surveys that ask for personal information.  For example, as the owner of the computer repair business mentioned above, you would want to interview a statistically significant number of students, perhaps splitting them up by major, age, or gender. with answers that will provide the data you need for your market research. Your questions should be pointed and specific. Try to make each question completely clear in as few words as possible.  If your goal is to get your customers' real thoughts, focus on creating open-ended questions that customers can respond to with their actual thoughts, rather than with a rating or a multiple-choice response.  However, if you want numerical results, be sure that your answers in some way reflect that. For example, you could have participants rate products or services from 1 to 10. If you are asking about preferences, you may want to ask respondents to rank their feelings numerically or using keywords. If you are asking about money, use ranges of values. If your answers will be descriptive, decide how to group these responses after the survey is complete so that they can be grouped in categories. For example, your computer business could ask students how likely, from 1 to 10, they are to visit your store or what type of computer accessories they want most, depending on the type of information you need. These usually include characteristics of people who are more likely to answer surveys. In order to get unbiased results, you need to figure out how to reduce the influence of these people. For example, as the computer business owner, you could do this by screening participants before the survey. If you think you primarily do business with engineering students, only accept surveys from them, even if history or english majors are more likely to respond to your survey. Don't conduct a survey unless you've already given your forms to practice cases, perhaps friends or coworkers, to ensure that your questions make sense, the answers you receive are easily quantifiable, and the survey is easy to complete. In particular, ask your practice cases to make sure that:  Your survey isn't too long or complicated. Doesn't make irrational assumptions about your target market. Asks questions in the most direct way possible.
Summary: Choose a sample size. Prepare a list of questions Devise a way to quantify the answers you receive. Identify variables that might affect your results. Have someone else look over your survey.

Problem: Article: In some cases, you may have been asked for a report. Your purpose or topic will likely be included in the request. If you’re not sure about your purpose or topic, consider what message you’re sending to your audience. You can also talk to your boss or supervisor for clarification. For example, your purpose may be to analyze a business issue, explain the results of a project you worked on, or provide your supervisor with an overview of your work progress. Consider what your audience will already know, as well as the level of jargon they will understand. When writing a work report, you can often use more professional language and jargon than when writing for the general public.  Who all will read your report? Include anyone who might reasonably use the report in your audience. If you’re writing for different types of readers, include all necessary information for your least informed reader to understand. However, use headings for each section so that informed readers can skip information that is redundant for them. You might also include sections for each audience to address their concerns. Include the materials you’ve used to reach your conclusions or develop your recommendations. You’ll refer to these materials as you prepare your report, plus you may need to include them in the appendices of your report. Here are the types of materials you might include when preparing your report:  Financial information Charts Graphs Statistical information Surveys Questionnaires Interviews with experts, coworkers, clients, etc. A good progress report will provide a quick overview of the work you’ve done, what you’re about to do next, and whether or not the project is on track. It’s best to think of it as an answer to questions people might have about your project. Here are the things to include in your report:  Has the project scope changed? What tasks have you done since the last progress report? What tasks are you going to do next? Are you on track to complete the project on time? If not, why? What obstacles have you encountered, and how will you overcome them? Did you learn any lessons this month? the information you need to include in your report. Jot down your ideas in a loose outline to help guide your writing. As you outline, develop headings for your report to help you organize what you need to say. Your outline doesn't need to be neat or well-developed, as it’s only for your use.  In most cases, you’ll start your report by explaining your results, conclusions, or recommendations. Then, explain how you got to this point and your reasoning, if applicable. If you are about to make a controversial conclusion or recommendation, explain your process and reasoning first so your audience will be able to understand why you arrived at this idea.
Summary: Identify the purpose and topic of your report. Choose a tone and language that fits your audience. Gather your research and supporting materials, if applicable. Review your progress if you’re writing a progress report. Outline

Problem: Article: Use a natural sea sponge (sponges harvested from the sea) for an interesting, multi-layered effect, similar to the look of granite (but with any color you choose). You can find natural sponges for around $10 (£7.10) at a hardware store.  Natural sea sponges often come in sizes of 5–6 in (13–15 cm). You can use a kitchen sponge, but it won't look quite the same. Choose the colors that you want to paint with and pour them into separate disposable bowls. You can use foam bowls, paper bowls, or regular bowls that you've set aside for craft use (just remember they'll be dirty afterwards). Run water over the sponge enough to get it damp, then crush it with your hands until the water no longer runs out. If you don't wring the sponge out, your paint may come out too watery and not adhere to the foam well. Choosing the paint you want to use, dip the sponge into it, blotting a little bit of paint off the sponge onto the newspaper so that you don’t make drips on your foam. Try practicing your sponge painting on the newspaper before moving to the foam; this will give you a better idea of what you want to do on your project. Touch the sponge to the foam gently, letting it rest on the foam for a few seconds before pulling it away. Repeat until the entire project is covered in paint.  Try rotating the sponge while painting to get different effects. Dampen the sponge with clean water and wring it out before choosing another color. It's important to let the paint dry before adding another coat, or it may end up looking uneven. You can wait up to 60 minutes to ensure the paint dries fully. Use the same technique to paint another coat. Focus on spots where the paint has seeped in and left white spots. Aim to create an even layer so that all the foam is covered. Give your foam project at least an hour to dry before picking it up. Wash your sponge in clean water and wring it out thoroughly, then let it dry in a ventilated area. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling paints.
Summary:
Use natural sponges for an artsy, granite-like effect. Put acrylic, water-based paints in separate disposable bowls. Dampen a sponge with water and wring it out. Dip the sponge into the paint, then blot some onto the newspaper. Paint by applying the sponge softly to the foam’s surface. Wait at least 15 minutes for the paint to dry. Apply another coat of paint. Let your project dry for an hour and wash your sponge.