| Sample Size (N) Determination for Speed Studies | ||||||
| N = | S2 x z2 (2 + U2) | |||||
| 2 x E2 | ||||||
| Souce | ||||||
| Iterate if necessary | S = | Estimated Sample Standard Deviation (Start with 5.3 mph) | ||||
| Table 2.6 in Book | z = | Standard Normal Deviate = 1.96 for 95% Confidence | ||||
| Table 2.7 in Book | U = | Constant = 1.04 (for 85th% Speed) | ||||
| Usually between 1 and 5 mph | E = | Permitted Error (Start with 3.0 mph) | ||||
| N = | 5.32 x 1.962 (2 + 1.042) | = | 18 | |||
| 2 x 3.02 | ||||||
| We collect 40 speeds to be safe and then calculate the true sample standard deviation | ||||||
| Let's say the result is 6.7 mph. Since 6.7 > 5.3, we must recalculate N | ||||||
| N = | 6.72 x 1.962 (2 + 1.042) | = | 30 | |||
| 2 x 3.02 | ||||||
| Since 30 < 40 we can stop and calculate speed summary information (mean, 85th%, etc.) | ||||||
| Jeffrey Buckholz, P.E. - University of North Florida - TTE 4004 | ||||||