In selecting the sample size to estimate the population proportion p, if we have no knowledge of even the approximate values of the sample proportion , what should we do?
A) take another sample and estimate
B) take two more samples and find the average of their's
C) let= 0.50
D) let= 0.95

Question

In selecting the sample size to estimate the population proportion p, if we have no knowledge of even the approximate values of the sample proportion  , what should we do?
A) take another sample and estimate 
B) take two more samples and find the average of their's 
C) let= 0.50 
D) let= 0.95

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When there is no knowledge about the approximate values of the sample proportion, the safest option is to assume the worst-case scenario, which is that the sample proportion is 0.5 (or 50%). This will result in the largest possible sample size, which will ensure that the margin of error is kept to a minimum. Therefore, the best choice is to let p= 0.50.

In Selecting the Sample Size to Estimate the Population Proportion