How do I use t-distribution to estimate the tα/2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of the t-distribution to estimate the tα/2 value in the context of statistical analysis, particularly in relation to confidence intervals and sample sizes. Participants are exploring the concepts of probability, sampling, and confidence intervals as they relate to a specific homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how to use the t-distribution to estimate tα/2 and what is meant by verifying results with the empirical rule.
  • Another participant explains that α represents the level of probability used for testing, indicating the likelihood that results are due to chance.
  • A participant describes their progress on a homework problem involving the calculation of population mean, sample means, standard deviations, and confidence intervals using the t-distribution due to small sample sizes.
  • There is a suggestion that the original question may be more appropriate for the Homework forum, indicating a potential concern about the relevance of the discussion in its current context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to have differing levels of understanding regarding the concepts of α and the t-distribution. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the application of these concepts to the homework problem presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of terms like α and the empirical rule, as well as the specific requirements of the homework problem that may influence the discussion.

lilyungn
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Hi, I need help understanding how do I use t-distribution to estimate the tα/2 . Also what is meant when it asks "verify your result with empirical rule"
 
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Do you understand what α is?
 
no i dont, what is it?
 
It is the level of probability to be used for testing. The probability that the result is due to chance.

Do you know what a probability distribution is?
 
Basically I'm working on a problem that asks that part of the question. I have solved for the population mean, and have different samples with 3 data in them. I calculated the x-bar of those samples with the standard dev and have gotten their confidence intervals.
 
That's all very good; how does your original question about the t distribution relate to the rest?
 
here is the question:

- Find the population mean and its standard deviation
- List all possible samples of size 3 from those 5 units
- From each sample, compute the mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence interval. Use t-distribution to estimate the tα/2 because we have a small size.
 
Questions like this belong in the Homework forum. Please post there next time. Hey, I don't make the rules around here.
 

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