What are the Odds? A Measure of the Small Sample Problems

12 Pages Posted: 30 Mar 2010 Last revised: 16 Nov 2011

See all articles by Kurt W. Rotthoff

Kurt W. Rotthoff

Seton Hall University - W. Paul Stillman School of Business

Danielle Zanzalari

Seton Hall University - W. Paul Stillman School of Business

John Jasina

Claflin University

Date Written: September 20, 2010

Abstract

Decisions on whether to retain recent hires are often limited by small sample size. We empirically assess whether uncertainty in employee retention decisions could be significantly reduced by increasing sample size. Using a unique data set from professional tennis matches to measure small sample outcomes, we find little difference in giving three chances, relative to five chances, in determining innate ability.

Keywords: Small Sample Bias, Employment, Tennis

JEL Classification: L23, J21, D21, L83

Suggested Citation

Rotthoff, Kurt W. and Zanzalari, Danielle and Jasina, John, What are the Odds? A Measure of the Small Sample Problems (September 20, 2010). Applied Economics Letters, Volume 18, Issue 12, pp. 1139-1143, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1581470

Kurt W. Rotthoff (Contact Author)

Seton Hall University - W. Paul Stillman School of Business ( email )

400 S Orange Avenue
JH 674
South Orange, NJ 07079
United States
973-761-9102 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://pirate.shu.edu/~rotthoku/

Danielle Zanzalari

Seton Hall University - W. Paul Stillman School of Business ( email )

400 South Orange Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079
United States

John Jasina

Claflin University ( email )

400 Magnolia St.
Orangeburg, SC 29115
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
98
Abstract Views
603
Rank
485,733
PlumX Metrics