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A random sample of 150 young Americans where 20% have delayed starting a family due to the continued economic slump would be considered unusual (i.e., |z| > +2). Is this statement true or false?

a) True
b) False

User Pnewhook
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The provided statement is false as more information is required to conclude whether the sample is unusual; the population proportion and standard error are needed to calculate the z-score.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement regarding a sample of 150 young Americans where 20% have delayed starting a family due to economic concerns being considered unusual if the z-score is greater than 2 is a false statement without additional context. To determine the unusualness of a sample proportion, we need the population proportion and the standard error of the sample proportion.

The z-score is calculated as (sample proportion - population proportion) divided by the standard error. Only if the calculated z-score is greater than 2 or less than -2 can we consider the result to be unusual. Without knowing the population proportion and assuming that the sample is a simple random sample, we cannot conclude the given sample is unusual solely based on the percentage provided.

User Shaz Ravenswood
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