In calculating the standard deviation of a sample, we use _________ in the denominator.
A) N
B) N -1
C) the sum of the weights
D) X

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We use N-1 in the denominator when calculating the standard deviation of a sample because it is an unbiased estimate of the population standard deviation. Using N instead would underestimate the true variance of the population. X refers to the values of the sample and the sum of the weights is not relevant to the calculation.

In Calculating the Standard Deviation of a Sample, We Use