Which of the following is the most conservative estimate for determining the sample size required for a study to estimate a population proportion?
A) $\pi$ =.1,z=3, and H=.01
B) $\pi$ =.5,z=3, and H=.01
C) $\pi$=.1,z=1, and H=.01
D) $\pi$ =.1,z=1, and H=.5
E) $\pi$ =.5,z=1, and H=.5

Question

Which of the following is the most conservative estimate for determining the sample size required for a study to estimate a population proportion?
A)  $\pi$ =.1,z=3, and H=.01
B)  $\pi$ =.5,z=3, and H=.01
C)  $\pi$=.1,z=1, and H=.01
D)  $\pi$ =.1,z=1, and H=.5
E)  $\pi$ =.5,z=1, and H=.5

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most conservative estimate for determining sample size for estimating a population proportion uses $\pi = .5$, which maximizes the variance ($\pi(1-\pi)$), and a higher z-value, which increases the confidence level. Thus, option B ($\pi = .5$, z=3, and H=.01) is the most conservative.

Which of the Following Is the Most Conservative Estimate for Determining