Political Research Associates has been hired to conduct a survey to determine the percentage of voters. If the election were held today, who would vote for Candidate X for president? Candidate X has not even announced her candidacy for president and there are no previous surveys that would indicate voter preferences. Still, Political Research Associates must estimate the variance in the population in order to determine the size of the sample they need for their survey for Candidate X. Which of the following would be the wisest choice for estimating variance?
A) ±5 percent
B) p = 1.96
C) q = 100 percent, p = 50 percent
D) p = 50 percent, q = 50 percent
E) n = 51 percent, q = 49 percent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wisest choice for estimating variance is to use the values of p = 50 percent, q = 50 percent as there is no previous data to suggest a particular bias in the population towards either candidate. Using a value of ±5 percent, p = 1.96, q = 100 percent, or n = 51 percent, q = 49 percent would assume some level of bias or knowledge about the population, which is not present in this scenario. Therefore, the most reasonable choice for estimating variance is 50 percent for both p and q.

Political Research Associates Has Been Hired to Conduct a Survey