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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyEffect of sample size on the margin of error

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A survey is repeated with a much larger random sample. What happens to the margin of error?

  1. A. It gets smaller.Correct
  2. B. It gets larger.
  3. C. It stays exactly the same.
  4. D. It becomes zero.

Answer: A. It gets smaller.

Larger random samples give estimates that vary less, so the margin of error shrinks.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It gets larger.
More data makes the estimate more precise, not less.
C. It stays exactly the same.
Sample size affects the margin.
D. It becomes zero.
Only a census of everyone would remove it entirely.

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