/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 21 Exercise 6.11 presents the resul... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Exercise 6.11 presents the results of a poll evaluating support for a generically branded "National Health Plan" in the United States. \(79 \%\) of 347 Democrats and \(55 \%\) of 617 Independents support a National Health Plan. (a) Calculate a \(95 \%\) confidence interval for the difference between the proportion of Democrats and Independents who support a National Health Plan \(\left(p_{D}-p_{I}\right),\) and interpret it in this context. We have already checked conditions for you. (b) True or false: If we had picked a random Democrat and a random Independent at the time of this poll, it is more likely that the Democrat would support the National Health Plan than the Independent.

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) The confidence interval is [0.1759, 0.3041]. (b) True.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Given Information

From the problem statement, we identify the relevant information for our calculation:- Sample size for Democrats, \( n_D = 347 \)- Sample proportion of Democrats supporting the plan, \( \hat{p}_D = 0.79 \)- Sample size for Independents, \( n_I = 617 \)- Sample proportion of Independents supporting the plan, \( \hat{p}_I = 0.55 \)
02

Calculate the Difference in Sample Proportions

The difference in sample proportions, \( \hat{p}_D - \hat{p}_I \), represents the point estimate for the difference in population proportions. Calculate it as follows:\[\hat{p}_D - \hat{p}_I = 0.79 - 0.55 = 0.24\]
03

Calculate the Standard Error of the Difference

The formula for the standard error (SE) of the difference between two proportions is:\[SE = \sqrt{\frac{\hat{p}_D(1-\hat{p}_D)}{n_D} + \frac{\hat{p}_I(1-\hat{p}_I)}{n_I}}\]Substitute the known values into the formula:\[SE = \sqrt{\frac{0.79 \times 0.21}{347} + \frac{0.55 \times 0.45}{617}} \approx 0.0327\]
04

Determine Z-score for 95% Confidence Interval

For a 95% confidence interval, the Z-score is typically 1.96.
05

Calculate Confidence Interval

Use the standard error calculated in Step 3 and the Z-score from Step 4:\[CI = (\hat{p}_D - \hat{p}_I) \pm Z \times SE = 0.24 \pm 1.96 \times 0.0327\]This gives:\[CI = 0.24 \pm 0.0641 = [0.1759, 0.3041]\]
06

Interpret the Confidence Interval

The 95% confidence interval for the difference in support between Democrats and Independents is [0.1759, 0.3041]. This means we are 95% confident that the true difference in proportions lies within this range, indicating that Democrats are more likely to support the health plan than Independents.
07

Analyze Statement in Part (b)

To assess whether it's more likely for a randomly selected Democrat to support the plan than a randomly selected Independent, compare the proportions. Since 79% of Democrats and 55% of Independents support the plan, it is true that it is more likely for a Democrat to support it. The difference is statistically significant as the confidence interval does not include zero.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Difference of Proportions
In statistical analysis, a difference of proportions refers to the disparity between the proportions of two different groups supporting a specific outcome or feature. In the context of the poll mentioned in the exercise, we see how this plays a role. The proportion of Democrats supporting a National Health Plan is 79%, while for Independents, it's 55%.
  • The difference in proportions calculated here is 0.79 - 0.55 = 0.24.
  • This difference is crucial as it serves as a point estimate for predicting how divergent the support levels might be in the broader population.
Understanding the difference in proportions helps positions this poll within a broader societal context. When two groups show different levels of support, it can guide policies or further investigations.
Standard Error
The standard error of the difference in proportions is a measure of how much variability exists in the difference between sample proportions. It's calculated using the specific formula involving each group's sample size and proportion.Let’s break it down:- **Formula**: \[ SE = \sqrt{\frac{\hat{p}_D(1-\hat{p}_D)}{n_D} + \frac{\hat{p}_I(1-\hat{p}_I)}{n_I}} \] where: - \(\hat{p}_D\) and \(\hat{p}_I\) are the sample proportions for Democrats and Independents - \(n_D\) and \(n_I\) are the sample sizesUtilizing the provided figures:- Standard Error holds a numerical value of approximately 0.0327 in this scenario.- This number is vital as it provides a quantitative basis for constructing confidence intervals.By understanding the standard error, you're becoming adept at gauging the precision and reliability of a sample-based estimate.
Polling Data Analysis
Polling data analysis involves examining the responses collected from surveyed individuals to draw conclusions about a larger population. This case study with Democrats and Independents can be dissected to illustrate key components. **What We Learn:**
  • Proportions showcase the levels of support among different groups.
  • The differences in these proportions can hint at public opinion trends.
  • Confidence intervals calculated from polling data, like the 95% interval here, offer a reliable range within which the true difference in support likely falls.
Polling is a cornerstone in political and social research because it gives a snapshot of current opinions. It informs decision-making and strategizing based on demonstrated support across any given issue.
Statistical Significance
Statistical significance in this exercise refers to whether the observed difference in proportions between Democrats and Independents is large enough to not likely be due to random chance. **Relevance of Statistical Significance:** - We utilize confidence intervals to judge significance. If a confidence interval for a difference does not contain zero, as seen here with [0.1759, 0.3041], we consider it statistically significant. - This finding means the difference we see between Democrats and Independents is unlikely to have occurred randomly; it reflects a true disparity in their levels of support. Understanding statistical significance is critical because it tests whether a result is credible or due to random fluctuations in the data. In polling especially, recognizing this significance can guide the interpretation of results toward decision-making and further research efforts.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Suppose that \(90 \%\) of orange tabby cats are male. Determine if the following statements are true or false, and explain your reasoning. (a) The distribution of sample proportions of random samples of size 30 is left skewed. (b) Using a sample size that is 4 times as large will reduce the standard error of the sample proportion by one-half. (c) The distribution of sample proportions of random samples of size 140 is approximately normal. (d) The distribution of sample proportions of random samples of size 280 is approximately normal.

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