When estimating the population mean on the basis of the information contained in a single sample, one must at least know
A) the estimated standard error of the mean and the mean of the sample
B) the z score for each raw score
C) the standard deviation of the underlying distribution of individual scores
D) the interdecile range

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To estimate the population mean from a single sample, one must at least know the estimated standard error of the mean and the mean of the sample. The standard error of the mean provides information on the precision of the estimate, while the sample mean is the best point estimate of the population mean. Knowledge of the z score for each raw score would be necessary for estimating individual scores, but not the mean. The standard deviation of the underlying distribution of individual scores and the interdecile range are not necessary to estimate the population mean from a single sample.

When Estimating the Population Mean on the Basis of the Information