Chapter 7: Problem 9
Basic Computation: Sample Size What is the minimal sample size needed for a \(95 \%\) confidence interval to have a maximal margin of error of \(0.1\) (a) if a preliminary estimate for \(p\) is \(0.25\) ? (b) if there is no preliminary estimate for \(p ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) If \(p = 0.25\), sample size is 145. (b) Without \(p\) estimate, sample size is 385.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Confidence Interval and Margin of Error
In order to construct a confidence interval for a proportion with a specific margin of error, we use the sample size formula. The sample size needed () can be calculated using the formula for margin of error E: \[ E = Z \sqrt{\frac{p(1-p)}{n}} \] where Z is the z-score corresponding to the confidence level (\(Z = 1.96\) for a 95% confidence interval), p is the proportion estimate, and E is the margin of error.
02
Determine Sample Size with Preliminary Estimate
Given a preliminary estimate for sample proportion \(p = 0.25\) and a margin of error \(E = 0.1\), we rearrange the error formula to solve for the required sample size \(n\): \[ n = \left(\frac{Z}{E}\right)^2 \cdot p(1-p) \]. Substitute \(Z = 1.96\), \(E = 0.1\), and \(p = 0.25\): \[ n = \left(\frac{1.96}{0.1}\right)^2 \cdot 0.25 \cdot (1 - 0.25) \]. Simplify this to find \(n\).
03
Compute Sample Size with Preliminary Estimate
Calculate the sample size using the values: \[ n = (19.6)^2 \cdot 0.25 \cdot 0.75 \]. This results in: \[ n \approx 144.06 \] Since the sample size must be a whole number, round up to the nearest whole number, so \(n = 145\).
04
Determine Sample Size without Preliminary Estimate
When no estimate for \(p\) is available, the formula for \(n\) requires us to use the most conservative estimate \(p = 0.5\) (this maximizes the product \(p(1-p)\), leading to the largest possible \(n\) value). Again, use \[ n = \left(\frac{Z}{E}\right)^2 \cdot p(1-p) \] and substitute \(Z = 1.96\), \(E = 0.1\), and \(p = 0.5\).
05
Compute Sample Size without Preliminary Estimate
Substitute the values into the formula: \[ n = \left(\frac{1.96}{0.1}\right)^2 \cdot 0.5 \cdot (1 - 0.5) \]. Simplify the equation to: \[ n = 19.6^2 \cdot 0.25 \]. Calculate to find: \[ n = 384.16 \]. Round up to the nearest whole number, so \(n = 385\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Confidence Interval
A confidence interval is a range of values that likely contain a population parameter, such as a mean or proportion. It's a useful tool because it helps us understand how much precision we have in our estimate. The confidence interval is associated with a confidence level, often expressed as a percentage.
Essentially, a 95% confidence interval means that if we were to take 100 different samples and calculate a confidence interval for each one, we would expect 95 of them to contain the true population parameter.
Essentially, a 95% confidence interval means that if we were to take 100 different samples and calculate a confidence interval for each one, we would expect 95 of them to contain the true population parameter.
- Confidence Level: The probability that the interval contains the true parameter.
- Interval: The range within which we expect the parameter to fall.
Margin of Error
The margin of error is a statistical term that quantifies the amount of random sampling error in a survey's results. It represents how much you expect the survey results to reflect the true population value due to chance.
For example, if a survey result has a margin of error of 5%, and the survey indicates that 60% of the population have a certain characteristic, we can expect the true proportion to be within 55% to 65%. It's calculated using a formula that includes the z-score and the standard deviation of the sample proportion.
For example, if a survey result has a margin of error of 5%, and the survey indicates that 60% of the population have a certain characteristic, we can expect the true proportion to be within 55% to 65%. It's calculated using a formula that includes the z-score and the standard deviation of the sample proportion.
- Determined by Sample Size: Larger samples result in smaller margins of error.
- Influenced by Confidence Level: Higher confidence levels broaden the margin of error.
Statistical Proportion
A statistical proportion measures the fraction of a given outcome within a total number of observations. In surveys, it represents the ratio of respondents who exhibit a trait of interest. It's a fundamental concept in understanding the distribution of data across different categories.
When estimating a population proportion, it is represented by "p" in formulas where calculations are concerned with probabilities. Knowing the proportion helps in building confidence intervals and calculating sample sizes.
When estimating a population proportion, it is represented by "p" in formulas where calculations are concerned with probabilities. Knowing the proportion helps in building confidence intervals and calculating sample sizes.
- Basic Formula: Ratio of favorable responses to total responses.
- Key Role in Estimation: Integral for constructing predictions and making inferences.
Z-Score
A z-score is a statistical measure that describes a value's relationship to the mean of a group of values. It's measured in terms of standard deviations from the mean. For purposes related to sample size calculation, z-scores are used to ascertain the confidence level.
In a normal distribution, a z-score can indicate where a data point lies in relation to the mean. For instance, a z-score of 1.96 aligns with a 95% confidence level, which is a common standard in most statistical analyses because it strikes a balance between precision and reliability.
In a normal distribution, a z-score can indicate where a data point lies in relation to the mean. For instance, a z-score of 1.96 aligns with a 95% confidence level, which is a common standard in most statistical analyses because it strikes a balance between precision and reliability.
- Normal Distribution: Z-scores assume data follows a bell curve.
- Used in Calculations: Key in determining sample sizes and confidence intervals.