Is a sample of 500 volunteers a reliable measure for a population of 2,500?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Yes, for a population of 2500people, a sample size of500volunteers is a reliable metric.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

When estimating unknown parameters, larger sample numbers often lead to greater precision. The rule of big numbers and the central limit theorem are two important principles of mathematical statistics that characterize this phenomena.

02

Explanation

A sample size of at least 10%of the population size is required.

Given a population of 2500people, the 10%would be 250.

As a result, a sample size of 250is a good estimate of the population parameter. Any sample size more than 250is also a good indicator.

For a population of 2500, a sample size of 500is a valid metric.

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1.11 You are going to use the random number generator to generate different types of samples from the data.

This table displays six sets of quiz scores (each quiz counts 10 points) for an elementary statistics class.

Instructions: Use the Random Number Generator to pick samples.

1. Create a stratified sample by column. Pick three quiz scores randomly from each column.

◦ Number each row one through ten.

◦ On your calculator, press Math and arrow over to PRB.

◦ For column 1, Press 5:randInt( and enter 1,10). Press ENTER. Record the number. Press ENTER 2 more

times (even the repeats). Record these numbers. Record the three quiz scores in column one that correspond

to these three numbers.

◦ Repeat for columns two through six.

◦ These 18 quiz scores are a stratified sample.

2. Create a cluster sample by picking two of the columns. Use the column numbers: one through six.

◦ Press MATH and arrow over to PRB.

◦ Press 5:randInt( and enter 1,6). Press ENTER. Record the number. Press ENTER and record that number.

◦ The two numbers are for two of the columns.

◦ The quiz scores (20 of them) in these 2 columns are the cluster sample.

3. Create a simple random sample of 15 quiz scores.

◦ Use the numbering one through 60.

◦ Press MATH. Arrow over to PRB. Press 5:randInt( and enter 1, 60).

◦ Press ENTER 15 times and record the numbers.

◦ Record the quiz scores that correspond to these numbers.

◦ These 15 quiz scores are the systematic sample.

4. Create a systematic sample of 12 quiz scores.

◦ Use the numbering one through 60.

◦ Press MATH. Arrow over to PRB. Press 5:randInt( and enter 1, 60).

◦ Press ENTER. Record the number and the first quiz score. From that number, count ten quiz scores and

record that quiz score. Keep counting ten quiz scores and recording the quiz score until you have a sample

of 12 quiz scores. You may wrap around (go back to the beginning).

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