The sample standard deviation is a biased estimator of the population standard deviation. When using sample means as estimators, we correct for bias in the formula for finding confidence intervals by________.
A) using N - 1 rather than N.
B) using N rather than N - 1.
C) using s rather than Z.
D) squaring the value of Z.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correction for bias when estimating population parameters from sample statistics, specifically for the standard deviation, involves using N - 1 (degrees of freedom) instead of N in the formula. This adjustment makes the sample standard deviation an unbiased estimator of the population standard deviation.

The Sample Standard Deviation Is a Biased Estimator of the Population