The sample size that guarantees the estimate of a population proportion satisfying the margin of error requirement is computed using a planning value of p equal to
A) .01.
B) .50.
C) .51.
D) .99.

Question

The sample size that guarantees the estimate of a population proportion satisfying the margin of error requirement is computed using a planning value of p equal to​
A) ​.01.
B) ​.50.
C) ​.51.
D) ​.99.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sample size needed to estimate a population proportion with a specified margin of error is maximized when the planning value of p (the estimated proportion) is .50. This is because the formula for calculating sample size in this context includes the term p(1-p), which reaches its maximum value when p = .50, thus requiring the largest sample size to ensure the margin of error is met.

The Sample Size That Guarantees the Estimate of a Population