In: Statistics and Probability
A researcher wishes to estimate, with 90% confidence, the population proportion of adults who are confident with their country's banking system. His estimate must be accurate within 4% of the population proportion. (a) No preliminary estimate is available. Find the minimum sample size needed. (b) Find the minimum sample size needed, using a prior study that found that 32% of the respondents said they are confident with their country's banking system. (c) Compare the results from parts (a) and (b).
Solution :
Given that,
a)
= 1 - = 0.5
margin of error = E = 4% = 0.04
At 90% confidence level the z is ,
= 1 - 90% = 1 - 0.90 = 0.10
/ 2 = 0.10 / 2 = 0.05
Z/2 = Z0.05 = 1.645
sample size = n = (Z / 2 / E )2 * * (1 - )
= (1.645 / 0.04)2 * 0.5 * 0.5
= 422.8 = 423
sample size = 423
b)
= 32% = 0.32
1 - = 1 - 0.32 = 0.68
margin of error = E = 0.04
At 90% confidence level the z is ,
= 1 - 90% = 1 - 0.90 = 0.10
/ 2 = 0.10 / 2 = 0.05
Z/2 = Z0.05 = 1.645
sample size = n = (Z / 2 / E )2 * * (1 - )
= (1.645 / 0.04)2 * 0.32 * 0.68
= 368
sample size = 368
c)
Having an estimate of the population proportion reduces the minimum sample size is needed .