A 95% confidence interval for the difference between the mean handspans of men and the mean handspans of women is determined to be 2.7 centimeters to 3.3 centimeters. Which of the following statements is the best interpretation of this interval?
A) It is likely that the difference in the population mean handspans of men and women is covered by the interval 2.7 centimeters to 3.3 centimeters.
B) It is likely that the difference in the sample mean handspans of men and women is covered by the interval 2.7 centimeters to 3.3 centimeters.
C) It is likely that if new samples of the same size were to be taken, the difference in sample means would be contained in the interval 2.7 centimeters to 3.3 centimeters.
D) It is likely that for 95% of married couples, the husband's handspan is between 2.7 and 3.3 centimeters longer than the wife's hand span.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Confidence intervals are used to estimate the range within which a population parameter (in this case, the difference between the mean handspans of men and women) is likely to lie with a certain level of confidence (here, 95%). This interval does not apply to sample means, specific proportions of individuals, or predict outcomes for new samples.

A 95% Confidence Interval for the Difference Between the Mean