Final answer:
To determine the minimum number of encounters researchers would need to include in their sample, use the formula n = (Z×σ/E)² with the given values. In this case, the researchers would need to include 4 encounters in their sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the minimum number of encounters the researchers would need to include in their sample, we can use the formula:
n = (Z×σ/E)²
Where:
n is the sample size
Z is the z-score that corresponds to the desired level of confidence (e.g., for 95% confidence, Z = 1.96)
σ is the standard deviation of the population proportion
E is the desired margin of error
In this case, the researchers want the standard deviation of the sample proportion to be no larger than 0.03. Therefore, σ = 0.03. Let's assume they want a 95% confidence level (Z = 1.96) and a margin of error of 0.03 (E = 0.03).
Plugging these values into the formula, we get:
n = (1.96×0.03/0.03)²
n = 1.92²
n ≈ 3.69
Rounding to the nearest whole number, the researchers would need to include 4 encounters in their sample.