Round-Off Rule for Sample Size n

Sample Size Determination for a Variable-Example

When finding the sample size n, always
increase the value of n to the next targer
whole number.
Sample Size Determination for a
Va ria b le- An oth e r Exa m p le
A consumer group would like to estimate the
mean monthly electricity charge for a single
family house in July within RMS using a 99
percent level of confidence. Based on similar
studies the standard deviation is estimated to be
RM20.00. How large a sample is required?
A $udent in public administration wahts to
deterhine the mean amount members of
city councils in large cities eam pr month as
remunehtion forbeing a council membef,
The error in estimating the mean is to be
less than 5100 with a 95 percent level of
confidence. The studentfound a repod bv
the Department olLabor that estimated ihe
standard deviation to be 51,000. What is the
Equired samplesize?
Given inthe problem:
.
E, the maximum allowable error. is $1OO
.
The value of?tor a
gS percent level of
cohfidence is 1.95,
.
The estimate ofthe shndard deviation is
51,ooo.
t;;t!
6
55J
lf unknown, o can be estimated when using the required
sample size formula
-
Use a value for o that is expected to be at least as
large as the true o
-
Select a pilot sample and estimate o with the sample
standard deviation, 5
Example: lf o
=
2Q what sample size is needed to estimate
the mean within t 4 margin of error with 95% confidence?
Round-Off Rule for Sample Size n
When linding the sample size n, if the use
of Formula 6-3 does not result in a whole
number, always increase the value of n to
the nert larger whole number.
EXample: ff we utant to estimate the mean weight of plastic
discarded by households in one week, how many households
must be randomly selected to be W% confidentlhat the sample
mean is within 0.25 lb ol the true population mean? (A prevhus
study indicates the standard deviation is t.O6S lb.)
n
=
216.09
=
217 (rounded
up)