Chapter 7

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

Learning Objectives
1.

Understand the importance of sampling and how results from samples can be used to provide
estimates of population characteristics such as the population mean, the population standard
deviation and / or the population proportion.

2.

Know what simple random sampling is and how simple random samples are selected.

3.

Understand the concept of a sampling distribution.

4.

Understand the central limit theorem and the important role it plays in sampling.

5.

Specifically know the characteristics of the sampling distribution of the sample mean ( x ) and the
sampling distribution of the sample proportion ( p ).

6.

Learn about a variety of sampling methods including stratified random sampling, cluster sampling,
systematic sampling, convenience sampling and judgment sampling.

7.

Know the definition of the following terms:

parameter
sample statistic
simple random sampling
sampling without replacement
sampling with replacement
point estimator
point estimate

sampling distribution
finite population correction factor
standard error
central limit theorem
unbiased
relative efficiency
consistency

7-1

Chapter 7

Solutions:
1.

a.

AB, AC, AD, AE, BC, BD, BE, CD, CE, DE

b.

With 10 samples, each has a 1/10 probability.

c.

E and C because 8 and 0 do not apply.; 5 identifies E; 7 does not apply; 5 is skipped since E is
already in the sample; 3 identifies C; 2 is not needed since the sample of size 2 is complete.

2.

Using the last 3-digits of each 5-digit grouping provides the random numbers:
601, 022, 448, 147, 229, 553, 147, 289, 209
Numbers greater than 350 do not apply and the 147 can only be used once. Thus, the
simple random sample of four includes 22, 147, 229, and 289.

3.
4.

459, 147, 385, 113, 340, 401, 215, 2, 33, 348

a.

6, 8, 5, 4, 1
Nasdaq 100, Oracle, Microsoft, Lucent, Applied Materials

b.

N!
10!
3, 628,500
=
=
= 252
n !( N n)! 5!(10 5)! (120)(120)

5.

283, 610, 39, 254, 568, 353, 602, 421, 638, 164

6.

2782, 493, 825, 1807, 289

7.

108, 290, 201, 292, 322, 9, 244, 249, 226, 125, (continuing at the top of column 9) 147, and 113.

8.

13, 8, 23, 25, 18, 5

The second occurrences of random numbers 13 and 25 are ignored.
Maryland, Iowa, Florida State, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Oklahoma

9.

102, 115, 122, 290, 447, 351, 157, 498, 55, 165, 528, 25

10.

finite, infinite, infinite, infinite, finite

11. a.

x = xi / n =

b.

s=

54
=9
6

( xi x ) 2
n 1

( xi x ) 2 = (-4)2 + (-1)2 + 12 (-2)2 + 12 + 52 = 48

s=

48
= 31
.
6 1

7-2

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

12. a.
b.
13. a.

p = 75/150 = .50
p = 55/150 = .3667
x = xi / n =

465
= 93
5

b.

Totals

s=

xi

( xi x )

94
100
85
94
92
465

+1
+7
-8
+1
-1
0

( xi x ) 2
1
49
64
1
1
116

( xi x ) 2
116
=
= 5.39
n 1
4

14. a.

149/784 = .19

b.

251/784 = .32

c.

Total receiving cash = 149 + 219 + 251 = 619

619/784 = .79

15. a.

b.

x = xi / n =

s=

70
= 7 years
10

( xi x ) 2
20.2
=
= 1.5 years
n 1
10 1

16.

p = 1117/1400 = .80

17. a.

595/1008 = .59

b.

332/1008 = .33

c.

81/1008 = .08

18. a.

E ( x ) = = 200

b.

x = / n = 50 / 100 = 5

c.

Normal with E ( x ) = 200 and x = 5

d.

It shows the probability distribution of all possible sample means that can be observed with random
samples of size 100. This distribution can be used to compute the probability that x is within a
specified from .

7-3

Chapter 7
19. a.

The sampling distribution is normal with

E ( x ) = = 200

x = / n = 50 / 100 = 5
For 5, ( x - ) = 5
z=

5
= 1 Area = .3413
5

2(.3413) = .6826
b.

For 10, ( x - ) = 10
z=

10
=2
5

Area = .4772

2(.4772) = .9544

x = / n

20.

x = 25 / 50 = 3.54
x = 25 / 100 = 2.50
x = 25 / 150 = 2.04
x = 25 / 200 = 1.77
The standard error of the mean decreases as the sample size increases.
21. a.
b.

x = / n = 10 / 50 = 141
.
n / N = 50 / 50,000 = .001
Use x = / n = 10 / 50 = 141
.

c.

n / N = 50 / 5000 = .01
Use x = / n = 10 / 50 = 141
.

d.

n / N = 50 / 500 = .10
Use x =

N n
=
N 1 n

500 50 10
= 134
.
500 1 50

Note: Only case (d) where n /N = .10 requires the use of the finite population correction factor.

7-4

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

22. a.

x = / n = 4000 / 60 = 516.40

51,800

E(x )
The normal distribution is based on the Central Limit Theorem.
b.

For n = 120, E ( x ) remains $51,800 and the sampling distribution of x can still be approximated
by a normal distribution. However, x is reduced to 4000 / 120 = 365.15.

c.

As the sample size is increased, the standard error of the mean, x , is reduced. This appears logical
from the point of view that larger samples should tend to provide sample means that are closer to the
population mean. Thus, the variability in the sample mean, measured in terms of x , should
decrease as the sample size is increased.

23. a.

x = / n = 4000 / 60 = 516.40

x
51,300 51,800 52,300

z=

52,300 51,800
= +.97 Area = .3340
516.40

2(.3340) = .6680
b.

x = / n = 4000 / 120 = 36515

.
z=

52,300 51,800
= +1.37 Area = .4147
365.15

2(.4147) = .8294

7-5

Chapter 7

24. a.

Normal distribution, E ( x ) = 4260

x = / n = 900 / 50 = 127.28
b.

Within $250
P(4010 x 4510)
z=

4510 4260
= 1.96
127.28

Area = .4750

2(.4750) = .95
c.

Within $100
P(4160 x 4360)
z=

4360 4260
= .79
127.28

Area = .2852

2(.2852) = .5704
25. a.

E( x ) = 1020

x = / n = 100 / 75 = 1155
.
b.

z=

1030 1020
= .87
11.55

z=

1010 1020
= .87 Area =.3078
11.55

Area =.3078

probability = .3078 + .3078 =.6156

c.

z=

1040 1020
= 1.73
11.55

z=

1000 1020
= 1.73 Area = .4582
11.55

Area = .4582

probability = .4582 + .4582 = .9164

7-6

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

26. a.

z=

x 34, 000

/ n

Error = x - 34,000 = 250

n = 30

z=

n = 50

z=

n = 100

z=

n = 200

z=

n = 400

z=

250
2000 / 30
250
2000 / 50

= .68

2(.2517) = .5034

= .88

2(.3106) = .6212

250
2000 / 100

= 1.25

2(.3944) = .7888

= 1.77

2(.4616) = .9232

= 2.50

2(.4938) = .9876

250
2000 / 200
250
2000 / 400

b. A larger sample increases the probability that the sample mean will be within a specified
distance from the population mean. In the salary example, the probability of being within
250 of ranges from .5036 for a sample of size 30 to .9876 for a sample of size 400.
27. a.

E( x ) = 982

x = / n = 210 / 40 = 33.2
z=

/ n

100
210 / 40

= 3.01 Area = .4987

2(.4987) = .9974
b.

z=

/ n

25
210 / 40

= .75 Area = .2734

2(.2734) = .5468
c.

28. a.

The sample with n = 40 has a very high probability (.9974) of providing a sample mean within
$100. However, the sample with n = 40 only has a .5468 probability of providing a sample mean
within $25. A larger sample size is desirable if the $25 is needed.
Normal distribution, E ( x ) = 687

x = / n = 230 / 45 = 34.29

7-7

Chapter 7
b.

Within $100
P(587 x 787)
z=

787 687
= 2.92
34.29

Area = .4982

2(.4982) = .9964
c.

Within $25
P(662 x 712)
z=

712 687
= .73
34.29

Area = .2673

2(.2673) = .5346
d.

Recommend taking a larger sample since there is only a .5346 probability n = 45 will provide the
desired result.

= 1.46 = .15

29.
a.

n = 30
z=

/ n

.03
.15 / 30

= 1.10

P(1.43 x 1.49) = P(-1.10 z 1.10) = 2(.3643) = .7286

b.

n = 50
z=

x
.03
=
= 1.41
/ n .15 / 50

P(1.43 x 1.49) = P(-1.41 z 1.41) = 2(.4207) = .8414

c.

n = 100
z=

/ n

.03
.15 / 100

= 2.00

P(1.43 x 1.49) = P(-2 z 2) = 2(.4772) = .9544

d.

A sample size of 100 is necessary.

7-8

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

30. a.
b.

n / N = 40 / 4000 = .01 < .05; therefore, the finite population correction factor is not necessary.
With the finite population correction factor

x =

N n
=
N 1 n

4000 40 8.2
= 129
.
4000 1 40

Without the finite population correction factor

x = / n = 130
.
Including the finite population correction factor provides only a slightly different value for x than
when the correction factor is not used.
c.

z=

2
x
=
= 154
.
130
.
130
.

Area = .4382

2(.4382) = .8764
31. a.

E ( p ) = p = .40
p (1 p )
.40(.60)
=
= .0490
100
n

b.

p =

c.

Normal distribution with E ( p ) = .40 and p = .0490

d.

It shows the probability distribution for the sample proportion p .

32. a.

E ( p ) = .40

p =

z=

p (1 p )
.40(.60)
=
= .0346
200
n

p p

.03
= .87 Area = .3078
.0346

2(.3078) = .6156
b.

z=

p p

.05
= 1.44 Area = .4251
.0346

2(.4251) = .8502
33.

p =

p(1 p)
n

p =

(.55)(.45)
= .0497
100

7-9

Chapter 7

p =

(.55)(.45)
= .0352
200

p =

(.55)(.45)
= .0222
500

p =

(.55)(.45)
= .0157
1000

p decreases as n increases
34. a.

p =

z=

(.30)(.70)
= .0458
100

p p

.04
= .87
.0458

Area = 2(.3078) = .6156

b.

p =

z=

(.30)(.70)
= .0324
200

p p

.04
= 1.23
.0324

Area = 2(.3907) = .7814

c.

p =

z=

(.30)(.70)
= .0205
500

p p

.04
= 1.95
.0205

Area = 2(.4744) = 0.9488

d.

p =

z=

(.30)(.70)
= .0145
1000

p p

.04
= 2.76
.0145

Area = 2(.4971) = .9942

e.

With a larger sample, there is a higher probability p will be within .04 of the population
proportion p.

7 - 10

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

35. a.

p =

p(1 p)
.30(.70)
=
= .0458
n
100

p
.30

The normal distribution is appropriate because np = 100(.30) = 30 and n(1 - p) = 100(.70) = 70 are
both greater than 5.
b.

P (.20 p .40) = ?
z=

.40 .30
= 2.18 Area = .4854
.0458

2(.4854) = .9708
c.

P (.25 p .35) = ?
z=

.35 .30
= 1.09 Area = .3621
.0458

2(.3621) = .7242
36. a.

Normal distribution, E ( p ) = .56

p =
b.

p(1 p )
.56(1 .56)
=
= .0287
300
n

Within .03
z=

.59 .56
= 1.05
.0287

Area = .3531

2(.3531) = .7062
c.

For n = 600, p =

z=

.59 .56
= 1.48
.0203

.56(1 .56)
= .0203
600

Area = .4306

2(.4306) = .8612

7 - 11

Chapter 7

For n = 1000, p =

z=

.59 .56
= 1.91
.0157

.56(1 .56)
= .0157
1000

Area = .4719

2(.4719) = .9438
37. a.

Normal distribution
E ( p ) = .50

p =

b.

z=

p (1 p)
=
n

p p

(.50)(1 .50)
= .0206
589

.04
= 1.94
.0206

2(.4738) = .9476
c.

z=

p p

.03
= 1.46
.0206

2(.4279) = .8558
d.

z=

p p

.02
= .97
.0206

2(.3340) = .6680
38. a.

Normal distribution
E( p ) = .25

p =

b.

z=

p (1 p)
=
n

(.25)(.75)
= .0306
200

.03
= .98 Area = .3365
.0306

2(.3365) = .6730
c.

z=

.05
= 1.63 Area = .4484
.0306

2(.4484) = .8968

7 - 12

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

39. a.

Normal distribution with E( p ) = p = .25 and

p =

b.

z=

p (1 p)
.25(1 .25)
=
= .0137
1000
n

p p

.03
= 2.19
.0137

P(.22 p .28) = P(-2.19 z 2.19) = 2(.4857) = .9714

c.

p p

z=

.25(1 .25)
500

.03
= 1.55
.0194

P(.22 p .28) = P(-1.55 z 1.55) = 2(.4394) = .8788

40. a.

E ( p ) = .76

p =

p (1 p)
.76(1 .76)
=
= .0214
n
400

Normal distribution because np = 400(.76) = 304 and n(1 - p) = 400(.24) = 96

b.

z=

.79 .76
= 1.40
.0214

Area = .4192

z=

.73 .76
= 1.40
.0214

Area = .4192

probability = .4192 + .4192 = .8384

c.

p =

p (1 p)
.76(1 .76)
=
= .0156
n
750

z=

.79 .76
= 1.92
.0156

Area = .4726

z=

.73 .76
= 1.92
.0156

Area = .4726

probability = .4726 + .4726 = .9452

41. a.

E( p ) = .17

p =

p (1 p)
=
n

(.17)(1 .17)
= .0133
800

7 - 13

Chapter 7

b.

z=

.19 .17
= 1.51
.0133

Area = .4345

z=

.15 .17
= 1.51
.0133

Area = .4345

probability = .4345 + .4345 = .8690

c.

p (1 p)
=
n

p =

(.17)(1 .17)
= .0094
1600

z=

.19 .17
= 2.13
.0094

Area = .4834

z=

.15 .17
= 2.13
.0094

Area = .4834

probability = .4834 + .4834 = .9668

42.

112, 145, 73, 324, 293, 875, 318, 618

43. a.

Normal distribution
E( x ) = 3

x =

b.

z=

1.2

/ n

= .17

50
=

.25
1.2 / 50

= 1.47 Area = .4292

2(.4292) = .8584
44. a.

Normal distribution
E( x ) = 31.5

x =

b.

z=

12
50

1
= .59
1.70

= 170
.

Area = .2224

2(.2224) = .4448
c.

z=

3
= 177
Area = .4616
.
170
.

2(.4616) = .9232

7 - 14

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

45. a.

E( x ) = $24.07

x =

z=

4.80
120

.50
= 1.14
.44

= .44

Area = .3729

2(.3729) = .7458
b.

z=

1.00
= 2.28 Area = .4887
.44

2(.4887) = .9774

= 41,979 = 5000

46.
a.

x = 5000 / 50 = 707

b.

z=

0
=0
707

P( x > 41,979) = P(z > 0) = .50

c.

z=

1000
= 1.41
707

P(40,979 x 42,979) = P(-1.41 z 1.41) = 2(.4207) = .8414

d.

x = 5000 / 100 = 500

z=

1000
= 2.00
500

P(40,979 x 42,979) = P(-2 z 2) = 2(.4772) = .9544

47. a.

x =

N n
N 1 n

N = 2000

x =

2000 50 144
= 2011
.
2000 1 50

N = 5000

x =

5000 50 144
= 20.26
5000 1 50

7 - 15

Chapter 7
N = 10,000
10,000 50 144
= 20.31
10,000 1 50

x =

Note: With n / N .05 for all three cases, common statistical practice would be to ignore
144
the finite population correction factor and use x =
= 20.36 for each case.
50
b.

N = 2000
z=

25
= 1.24
20.11

Area = .3925

2(.3925) = .7850
N = 5000
z=

25
= 1.23 Area = .3907
20.26

2(.3907) = .7814
N = 10,000
z=

25
= 1.23 Area = .3907
20.31

2(.3907) = .7814
All probabilities are approximately .78
48. a.

x =

500
n

= 20

n = 500/20 = 25 and n = (25)2 = 625

b.

For 25,
z=

25
= 1.25 Area = .3944
20

2(.3944) = .7888

7 - 16

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

49.

Sampling distribution of x

x =

0.05

30

0.05

1.9

2.1

1.9 + 2.1 = 2
=
2

The area between = 2 and 2.1 must be .45. An area of .45 in the standard normal table shows
z = 1.645.
Thus,

2.1 2.0

/ 30

= 1.645

Solve for .

=
50.

(.1) 30
= .33
1.645

p = .305
a.

Normal distribution with E( p ) = p = .305 and

p =

b.

z=

p (1 p)
.305(1 .305)
=
= .0326
n
200

p p

.04
= 1.23
.0326

P(.265 p .345) = P(-1.23 z 1.23) = 2(.3907) = .7814

c.

z=

p p

.02
= .61
.0326

P(.285 p .325) = P(-.61 z .61) = 2(.2291) = .4582

7 - 17

Chapter 7

p =

51.

p (1 p)
=
n

(.40)(.60)
= .0245
400

P ( p .375) = ?
z=

.375 .40
= 1.02 Area = .3461
.0245

P ( p .375) = .3461 + .5000 = .8461

52. a.

p =

z=

p (1 p)
=
n

p p

(.71)(1 .71)
= .0243
350

.05
= 2.06 Area = .4803
.0243

2(.4803) = .9606
b.

z=

p p

.75 .71
= 1.65 Area = .4505
.0243

P ( p .75) = .5000 - .4505 = .0495

53. a.

Normal distribution with E ( p ) = .15 and

p =
b.

p (1 p)
=
n

(.15)(.85)
= .0292
150

P (.12 p .18) = ?
z=

.18 .15
= 1.03 Area = .3485
.0292

2(.3485) = .6970
54. a.

p =

p(1 p)
=
n

.25(.75)
=.0625
n

Solve for n
n=

b.

.25(.75)
= 48
(.0625) 2

Normal distribution with E( p ) = .25 and x = .0625

7 - 18

Sampling and Sampling Distributions

c.

P ( p .30) = ?
z=

.30 .25
= .80 Area = .2881
.0625

P ( p .30) = .5000 - .2881 = .2119

7 - 19