High School

The mean of the differences is 193 points, and the standard deviation of the differences is 62.73 points. The conditions for inference are met.

What is the correct [tex]$98 \%$[/tex] confidence interval for the mean difference (after - before) in score?

A. [tex]193 \pm 2.764\left(\frac{62.73}{\sqrt{9}}\right)[/tex]

B. [tex]193 \pm 2.764\left(\frac{62.73}{\sqrt{10}}\right)[/tex]

C. [tex]193 \pm 2.821\left(\frac{62.73}{\sqrt{9}}\right)[/tex]

D. [tex]193 \pm 2.821\left(\frac{62.73}{\sqrt{10}}\right)[/tex]

Answer :

To find the correct [tex]\(98\%\)[/tex] confidence interval for the mean difference in score, we need to follow these steps:

1. Identify the Mean and Standard Deviation:
- Mean of differences = 193 points
- Standard deviation of differences = 62.73 points

2. Determine the Sample Size:
- The sample size = 8 students

3. Identify the Confidence Level and Corresponding [tex]\(t\)[/tex]-value:
- We are given a confidence level of [tex]\(98\%\)[/tex]. For this level, the appropriate [tex]\(t\)[/tex]-value from a [tex]\(t\)[/tex]-distribution table for [tex]\(n - 1 = 8 - 1 = 7\)[/tex] degrees of freedom is 2.821.

4. Calculate the Standard Error (SE):
[tex]\[
SE = \frac{\text{standard deviation}}{\sqrt{\text{sample size}}} = \frac{62.73}{\sqrt{8}} \approx 22.18
\][/tex]

5. Calculate the Margin of Error:
[tex]\[
\text{Margin of Error} = t \times SE = 2.821 \times 22.18 \approx 62.57
\][/tex]

6. Calculate the Confidence Interval:
[tex]\[
\text{Lower Bound} = \text{Mean} - \text{Margin of Error} = 193 - 62.57 \approx 130.43
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
\text{Upper Bound} = \text{Mean} + \text{Margin of Error} = 193 + 62.57 \approx 255.57
\][/tex]

Thus, the [tex]\(98\%\)[/tex] confidence interval for the mean difference in score is approximately [tex]\( (130.43, 255.57) \)[/tex].

Based on these calculations and given options, the fourth option [tex]\(193 \pm 2.821\left(\frac{62.73}{\sqrt{10}}\right)\)[/tex] uses a slightly incorrect sample size for the square root. However, with our process using 8, the interval was found as above, highlighting that proper sample recognition should yield [tex]\(193 \pm 2.821\left(\frac{62.73}{\sqrt{8}}\right)\)[/tex] to match calculated results if sample size were reflected accurately in adjustment terms involving the table.