Lesson 7

Lesson 7 Summary

 

 

It is not possible to test an entire population. Instead, random samples can be tested and the results can be used to generalize the results for the population. The more samples you collect, the more confident you become in predicting the result of the next sample and the more accurately the results represent the population.

 

For a given confidence level, the larger your sample size, the smaller your confidence interval and margin of error. The size of the confidence interval is based on the sample size, confidence level, and population size. When a population is small, population size has a greater effect on the size of the sample required.

 

If the confidence level remains the same and a smaller confidence interval and margin of error are needed, then a larger sample is required.

 

Surveys and polls can be set up by just about anyone in a matter of minutes. Since the results are frequently used to try and sway your opinion, it is important that you are able to interpret survey results and decide whether or not the survey accurately represents the true population so that you have enough confidence in the results. Having this knowledge gives you more control over how you choose to react to the many media influences in your life.

 

Now refer to the Module 4 Summary for an overview of concepts you investigated in this module.