Math Problem Statement

An existing inventory for a test measuring self-esteem indicates that the scores have a standard deviation of 10. A psychologist gave the self-esteem test to a random sample of 60 individuals, and their mean score was 70. Construct a 99% confidence interval for the true mean of all test scores. Then give its lower limit and upper limit.

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to construct a 99% confidence interval for the mean score based on the information provided.

Given dataTo solve this problem, we need to construct a 99% confidence interval for the mean score based on the information provided.

Given

  • Standard deviation (σ\sigma) = 10
  • Sample size (nn) = 60
  • Sample mean (xˉ\bar{x}) = 70
  • Confidence level = 99%

Steps to construct the confidence interval:

  1. Determine the Z-score for a 99% confidence interval. The Z-score for a 99% confidence level (which leaves 0.5% in each tail of the normal distribution) is approximately 2.576.

  2. Calculate the standard error of the mean (SEM): SEM=σn=1060\text{SEM} = \frac{\sigma}{\sqrt{n}} = \frac{10}{\sqrt{60}}

  3. Compute the margin of error (ME): ME=Z×SEM=2.576×1060\text{ME} = Z \times \text{SEM} = 2.576 \times \frac{10}{\sqrt{60}}

  4. Determine the confidence interval:

    • Lower limit = xˉME\bar{x} - \text{ME}
    • Upper limit = xˉ+ME\bar{x} + \text{ME}

Let's calculate each step.The 99% confidence interval for the true mean of all test scores is:

  • Lower limit: 66.7
  • Upper limit: 73.3

Would you like a detailed explanation of each calculation step, or do you have any other questions?

Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How would the confidence interval change if we used a 95% confidence level instead?
  2. What impact does increasing the sample size have on the width of the confidence interval?
  3. Why do we use the Z-score and not the T-score in this case?
  4. How would a larger standard deviation affect the confidence interval?
  5. Can we construct a confidence interval if the standard deviation is unknown?

Tip: When constructing confidence intervals, remember that higher confidence levels yield wider intervals, as they cover a larger range to ensure the mean lies within the interval with greater certainty.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Statistics
Confidence Intervals
Normal Distribution

Formulas

Standard Error of the Mean (SEM) = σ / √n
Margin of Error (ME) = Z * SEM
Confidence Interval = Mean ± ME

Theorems

Central Limit Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

College Level Statistics