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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumWider interval at a higher confidence level

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

From one random sample, a researcher computed a 90% confidence interval of 40 to 46 grams for a population mean. Which of the following could be the 95% confidence interval computed from the SAME sample?

  1. A. 39 to 47 gramsCorrect
  2. B. 41 to 45 grams
  3. C. 40 to 46 grams
  4. D. 44 to 50 grams

Answer: A. 39 to 47 grams

Higher confidence needs a wider interval around the same centre (43). Only 39 to 47 is wider and centred at 43.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 41 to 45 grams
41 to 45 is NARROWER, which would correspond to a lower confidence level.
C. 40 to 46 grams
The same width can't correspond to two different confidence levels.
D. 44 to 50 grams
44 to 50 is centred at 47, but the same sample gives the same centre, 43.

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