A 95% confidence interval for a population mean was reported to be 152 to 160. If $σ = 15$, what sample size was used in this study?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 54
Given $σ = 15$, confidence level = 95%, confidence interval (152, 160).
Let the sample mean be $\bar x$ and margin of error be E,
then $\bar x - E=152$ ...(i)
and $\bar x + E = 160$ ...(ii)
Subtracting equation (i) from (ii), we get
$2E=8⇒E=4$
Also, $1-α = 0.95⇒α = 0.05⇒\frac{α}{2}=0.025$
$⇒ Z_{α/2}=Z_{0.025}⇒ Z_{α/2} = 1.96$
We know that margin of error = $Z_{α/2}.\frac{σ}{\sqrt{n}}$
$⇒4 = 1.96 ×\frac{15}{\sqrt{n}}$
$⇒\sqrt{n}=\frac{1.96 × 15}{4}$
$⇒\sqrt{n} = 0.49 × 15$
$⇒\sqrt{n} = 7.35⇒n= (7.35)^2$
$⇒ n = 54.0225⇒n=54$
So, sample size is 54.