Correct statement related to confidence interval

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of confidence intervals in statistics, specifically regarding the proportion of left-handed students represented by the symbol p. Participants clarify that p is a fixed value, not a random variable, and emphasize the importance of avoiding phrases like "99% chance," which can mislead interpretations. The correct answer to the posed question is option (a), as options (b) to (d) are deemed identical and incorrect. The conversation highlights the need for precision in statistical language to avoid confusion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of confidence intervals in statistics
  • Knowledge of fixed values versus random variables
  • Familiarity with statistical terminology, particularly regarding proportions
  • Basic principles of hypothesis testing
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of confidence intervals in depth
  • Learn about fixed values and random variables in statistics
  • Research the implications of statistical language on interpretation
  • Explore hypothesis testing and its relationship with confidence intervals
USEFUL FOR

Statisticians, data analysts, students in statistics courses, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of confidence intervals and statistical terminology.

songoku
Messages
2,509
Reaction score
393
Homework Statement
A student was asked to find a 99% confidence interval for the proportion of students who are left-handed using data of randomly chosen 80 students. Which of the following is the correct interpretation of interval 0.20 < p < 0.40? You may choose more than one option
a) With 99% confidence, the proportion of all students who are left-handed is between 0.20 and 0.40
b) There is a 99% chance that the proportion of the population is between 0.20 and 0.40
c) There is a 99% chance that the proportion of left-handed students in a sample of 80 students will be between 0.20 and 0.40
d) The proportion of all students who are left-handed is between 0.20 and 0.40, 99% of the time
e) With 99% confidence, a randomly selected student who are left-handed in the proportion of their classes that is between 0.20 and 0.40
Relevant Equations
None
I think (e) is wrong because the proportion should be out of the whole population, not only in a certain class and option (a) to (d) looks like identical to me so I answered (a), (b), (c) and (d) but my answer is wrong.

Where is my mistake? Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Remember that p represents a single value, the proportion of students who are left-handed. That is not a random variable. So rule out any statement that talks as though it is a random variable with a probability.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: songoku
FactChecker said:
Remember that p represents a single value, the proportion of students who are left-handed. That is not a random variable. So rule out any statement that talks as though it is a random variable with a probability.
I understand your hint but I seem can't tell the difference between options (a) to (d). Is the correct answer only (a)?

Thanks
 
Be very skeptical of anything that says "99% chance" or "99% of the time". That might imply that p is a random variable rather than a fixed number. As a single fixed number, it always is or it always isn't. There is no "% chance" or "% of the time". That is why statisticians like to use the word "confidence". It indicates their strength of belief rather than implying that p is a random variable.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: songoku
Thank you very much FactChecker
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K