Question

All else being equal, a study with which of the following error ranges would be the most reliable?

A.) +/- 12


B.) +/- 6


C.) +/- 3


D.) +/- 9

Answer 1

C. The most reliable would have the smallest margin of error

Answer 2

Answer: Option C. +/-3

Solution:

The error range is most reliable if the width of the range is smaller:

Width=w=2 Absolute value (error range)

A.) w=2 Absolute value (+/-12)=2(12)→w=24

B.) w=2 Absolute value (+/-6)=2(6)→w=12

C.) w=2 Absolute value (+/-3)=2(3)→w=3

D.) w=2 Absolute value (+/-9)=2(9)→w=18

The smallest width is in option C.