Margin of Error Statistics Example 3
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 3
hardA 95% CI for a mean is . What is the margin of error, and what would it be if the sample size were quadrupled?
Solution
- 1 Step 1: The margin of error is 3.
- 2 Step 2: Quadrupling halves the ME: .
Answer
ME = 3. With quadrupled sample size, ME = 1.5.
Understanding the relationship between sample size and margin of error helps researchers plan studies with the desired level of precision.
About Margin of Error
The margin of error is the maximum expected difference between a sample statistic and the true population parameter, typically expressed as a plus-or-minus value. It equals half the width of a confidence interval and decreases as sample size increases.
Learn more about Margin of Error โMore Margin of Error Examples
Example 1 hard
A poll of 400 voters found 55% support a policy. Calculate the margin of error for a 95% confidence
Example 2 hardHow does quadrupling the sample size affect the margin of error?
Example 4 hardIf the confidence level is increased from 90% to 99% while the sample size and variability stay the