How Confident Are You?

On page 741 is a data set, obtained by University of Maryland researchers,that lists the body temperature of 107 healthy adults.

The mean of the 107 temperatures is 98.2^o The standard deviation of the data is 0.62^o

It is commonly believed that mean body temperature is 98.6^o, butthe data listed suggests that it is actually 98.2^o. However, weknow that samples tend to vary, so perhaps the common belief is correct andthe sample has a lower value merely by chance. On the other hand, perhapsthe sample showing 98.2^ois correct and the common belief is wrong.

Post a message in the Discussion areathat answers the following questions.

What do you choose to believe?

• The common belief is correct and the sample is exhibiting chance variation.
• The common belief is wrong and the sample suggests mean body temperature inhealthy adults is actually 98.2^o.