Part 5: Confidence Intervals

Explain in general the purpose and meaning of a confidence interval. (5 points)

A confidence interval is an interval of numbers based on a point estimate that gives a

range of likely values for an unknown parameter. Confidence intervals are used to
measure uncertainty.. A higher confidence level indicates that the parameters must be
broader to ensure that level of confidence.

Identify the requirements for computing confidence intervals. List the

requirements separately for a confidence interval for a population proportion
and for a population mean. (5 points)

Population Proportion
Verify that np (1-p) >10 (the normality condition)
Verify that n 0.05N (the sample size is no more than 5% of the population size, the
independence condition.

Population Mean
Sample data came from a Simple Random Sample or randomized experiment
Sample size is small relative to the population size (n 0.05N)
The data came from a population that is normally distributed, or the sample size is
large.
A(1-a)100% confidence interval for the population mean
Upper & Lower Bound

Using values for the class data that you computed in Part 2 of the project, construct a
99% confidence interval estimate for the true proportion of yellow candies using the
class data as your sample. Remember that for this computation, n is the number of
CANDIES for the entire class data. Include all your work, showing the formula used
and appropriate values inserted (neatly written and scanned or typed). (10 points)

Calc>Stats>Tests> 1-PropZInt
X = 626 # of yellow Skittles in class data
n= 3210 total # of all skittles in class data
C= .99
Lower Bound (.177, .21301) Upper Bound
 Give an appropriate interpretation of your interval. (5 points)

With 99% confidence the true proportion of yellow skittles is between (.177, .21301)

Based on your interval for the true proportion of yellow candies, was the proportion
of yellow candies in the single bag of candy you purchased a likely value for the true
population proportion? Explain how you know using actual values from your data
and computations. (5 points)

Yes from the bag I purchased, I had 12 yellow candies out of a total of 60 for a
proportion of .2. So my bag is more than .177 but is very close to .21301

Using values you computed in Part 2 of the project, construct a 95% confidence
interval estimate for the true mean number of candies per bag using the class data as
your sample, but for this computation, n is the number of BAGS. Include all your
work, showing the formula used and appropriate values inserted (neatly written and
scanned or typed). (10 points)

Calc>Stats> Tests> Tinterval> Stats

n= 54
x= 59.777778
s= 2.2034849
c= .95
Lower Bound (59.176, .60.379) Upper Bound

Give an appropriate interpretation of your interval. (5 points)

With 95% confidence the true mean number of candies per bag is between
(59.176, .60.379).
 Based on your interval for the true mean number of candies per bag, was the total
number of candies in the single bag you purchased a likely value for the population
mean? Explain how you know using actual values from your data and computations.
(5 points)
My bag of skittles contained 60 candies so, it does fall within the likely values of
(59.176, .60.379) for the population mean.