Confidence Interval for Population Mean:

sample mean - E < population mean < sample mean + E

Error "E" = (1.96)*(s) / sqrt(n)

"s" is the standard deviation and "n" is the sample size.

Part 1: Confidence Intervals

1. Why is it often impossible to know the actual value of any population parameter? Give an example of a population parameter that you cannot calculate, but that you can estimate.

2. A sample can be used to estimate a population parameter. How does the sample size affect the estimate? If the sample is larger, what will this do to the error E?

3. Use the Confidence Interval formula above and calculate the 95% confidence interval for any population mean of your choice. Write down (invent) the sample size (be sure it is 30 or above), the sample mean, and the sample standard deviation. Then, calculate the confidence interval. Remember, you are inventing all the values, so no two posts should look the same.

4. Use Excel and your invented values to calculate the confidence interval. Include and compare the results. Again, remember that your sample size must be 30 or above. Please show all calculations and give examples accordingly.

5. Include reference from: Bennett, Jeff, Briggs, W. L., Triola, M. F. (12/2012). Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life, 4th Edition.