Determine the interval of 95% confidence for the average ✓ Solved

Determine the interval of 95% confidence for the average heights of the population using the following information: The average height of a random sample of 400 people from a city is 1.75 m. It is known that the heights of the population are random variables that follow a normal distribution with a variance of 0.16. Confidence Interval Formula = ( x̄ – z ơ / √n) to ( x̄ + z ơ / √n)

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Confidence intervals are a fundamental concept in statistics, enabling researchers to estimate the range within which a population parameter, such as the mean, is likely to reside. In this case, our objective is to calculate a 95% confidence interval for the average height of a population based on a provided sample.

Understanding the Elements of the Confidence Interval

The confidence interval is defined by the following formula:

Confidence Interval = (x̄ - z (σ/√n)) to (x̄ + z (σ/√n))

Where:

  • x̄ = sample mean

  • z = z-score corresponding to the desired level of confidence

  • σ = standard deviation of the population

  • n = sample size

In our scenario, we have:

  • Sample mean (x̄) = 1.75 m

  • Sample size (n) = 400

  • Variance (σ²) = 0.16, which means the standard deviation (σ) = √0.16 = 0.4 m

  • For a 95% confidence level, the z-score is approximately 1.96.

Calculating the Standard Error

The first step in calculating the confidence interval is determining the standard error (SE) of the mean. The standard error is calculated using the formula:

SE = σ/√n

Substituting the values, we find:

SE = 0.4 / √400 = 0.4 / 20 = 0.02 m

Calculating the Confidence Interval

Now that we have the standard error, we can calculate the margin of error (ME), which is the product of the z-score and the standard error:

ME = z * SE

Substituting the values provides:

ME = 1.96 * 0.02 = 0.0392 m

We can now calculate the upper and lower bounds of the confidence interval:

  • Lower bound = x̄ - ME = 1.75 - 0.0392 = 1.7108 m

  • Upper bound = x̄ + ME = 1.75 + 0.0392 = 1.7892 m

Final Confidence Interval

Thus, the 95% confidence interval for the average height of the population is:

(1.7108 m to 1.7892 m)

This interval suggests that we can be 95% confident that the true average height of the population lies between 1.7108 m and 1.7892 m.

Importance of Confidence Intervals in Research

Understanding confidence intervals allows researchers, policymakers, and statisticians to make informed decisions based on sample data. They provide not just an estimate of the population parameter but also indicate the precision and reliability of that estimate. A narrower confidence interval suggests a more precise estimate, whereas a wider interval indicates more uncertainty.

Applications of Confidence Intervals

Confidence intervals are used across various fields such as healthcare, economics, and social sciences. For instance, they can help in making decisions about public health interventions, setting pricing strategies in marketing, and conducting social research. Furthermore, they help in summarizing data effectively and guiding future research directions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, confidence intervals serve as an essential statistical tool to infer about population parameters based on sample statistics. The computed 95% confidence interval for the average height of the sampled population reinforces the significance of variability and uncertainty in research findings. By utilizing robust statistical methods, we enhance our understanding of population behaviors and characteristics, thereby facilitating informed decision-making processes.

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