Final answer:
An analysis of a Gallup Poll should consider the population, sample, statistic, parameter, margin of error, and confidence interval, with a focus on a small margin of error and a sample that is random and representative for accurate estimates of public opinion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing a Gallup Poll such as the May 2000 survey on belief in ghosts, the sample refers to the group of respondents that is chosen from the population, which is the entire group being studied. The statistic is a numerical summary calculated from the sample data—like the percentage of people in the sample who believe in ghosts—while the parameter would be the corresponding numerical summary in the population.
The margin of error indicates the range around the survey results within which the true population value likely exists. For instance, a margin of error of ±3% means the true value could be 3% higher or lower than the reported statistic. The confidence interval is a range around the sample statistic that has a specific likelihood (e.g., 95%) of containing the population parameter. In evaluating the reliability of a poll, it is essential to check if the margin of error is small, suggesting more precision, and whether the sample is both random and representative to give an accurate estimate of the public opinion.