Chapter 7: Problem 6
Estimate the minimum sample size needed to form a confidence interval for the proportion of a population that has a particular characteristic, meeting the criteria given. a. \(95 \%\) confidence, \(E=0.02\) b. \(99 \%\) confidence, \(E=0.02\) c. \(95 \%\) confidence, \(E=0.01\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a) 2401, b) 4159, c) 9604.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Formula
To estimate the minimum sample size required for a proportion, we use the formula \( n = \left(\frac{Z^2 \cdot p \cdot (1-p)}{E^2}\right) \). Here, \( n \) is the sample size, \( Z \) is the Z-value from the confidence level, \( p \) is the estimated proportion (usually taken as 0.5 if not given), and \( E \) is the margin of error.
02
Identifying Z-values for Confidence Levels
For different confidence levels, we use specific Z-values: for \(95\%\) confidence, \( Z \approx 1.96 \); for \(99\%\) confidence, \( Z \approx 2.576 \). These values correspond to the number of standard deviations from the mean to enclose the desired proportion of the distribution.
03
Step 3a: Calculation for 95% Confidence, E=0.02
Substitute \( Z = 1.96 \), \( p = 0.5 \), and \( E = 0.02 \) into the formula: \[ n = \left(\frac{1.96^2 \cdot 0.5 \cdot (1-0.5)}{0.02^2}\right) \approx \left(\frac{3.8416 \cdot 0.25}{0.0004}\right) \approx 2401 \]. Thus, the minimum sample size needed is 2401.
04
Step 3b: Calculation for 99% Confidence, E=0.02
Substitute \( Z = 2.576 \), \( p = 0.5 \), and \( E = 0.02 \) into the formula: \[ n = \left(\frac{2.576^2 \cdot 0.5 \cdot (1-0.5)}{0.02^2}\right) \approx \left(\frac{6.635776 \cdot 0.25}{0.0004}\right) \approx 4158.6 \]. The minimum sample size needed is 4159 (rounded up to the nearest whole number).
05
Step 3c: Calculation for 95% Confidence, E=0.01
Substitute \( Z = 1.96 \), \( p = 0.5 \), and \( E = 0.01 \) into the formula: \[ n = \left(\frac{1.96^2 \cdot 0.5 \cdot (1-0.5)}{0.01^2}\right) \approx \left(\frac{3.8416 \cdot 0.25}{0.0001}\right) \approx 9604 \]. The minimum sample size needed is 9604.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Confidence Intervals
A confidence interval is like a range that tells us where a population parameter is likely to be. It's based on sample data and gives us a range where we believe the true value, such as a proportion or mean, lies. These intervals are important because they help us understand the potential error in our estimate. The width of a confidence interval can vary based on the sample size and the level of confidence we choose.
- Confidence Level: This indicates how certain we are that the interval contains the true parameter value. Common levels are 95% or 99% confidence.
- Variability and Sample Size: More sample variability or a smaller sample size can lead to a larger interval, so less precision.
- Calculation: To calculate, you need a point estimate (like a sample mean or sample proportion) and then add and subtract a margin of error to get the range.
Margin of Error
The margin of error is a crucial part of understanding how much variation we're seeing in our data. It tells us the range of error around our sample estimate and is a way to express the uncertainty in our estimate.
- Significance: A small margin of error indicates more confidence in our estimate, while a larger margin suggests more uncertainty.
- Determining Factors: The size of the margin of error is influenced by the sample size, the variability in the data, and the level of confidence we choose.
- Relation with Sample Size: Generally, a larger sample size will decrease the margin of error, making our estimate more precise.
Z-value
The Z-value plays a key role in constructing confidence intervals and determining sample size. It's a statistic that measures the number of standard deviations a data point is from the mean, within a normal distribution.
- Application in Confidence Intervals: The Z-value corresponds to the desired confidence level. For example, for 95% confidence, we use a Z-value of approximately 1.96 because this value signifies the area under the normal curve spreading across those 95%.
- Significance in Sample Size Calculation: When calculating sample size for estimating proportions, the Z-value helps determine how far our sample estimate might be from the true population parameter.
- Variability with Confidence Levels: Different confidence levels have their unique Z-values; for instance, 99% confidence uses a Z-value around 2.576. Higher Z-values reflect greater confidence levels and imply a wider confidence interval, indicating more certainty that the interval contains the true parameter.