One example of population parameter that you cannot calculate is the number of fireflies observed in the United States at night. This number would be impossible to calculate since fireflies are only found in the tropical and temperate climates of the U.S. and consist of 2,000 known species of soft bodied beetle with some that are diurnal. Another example would be the number of infants with hair. This number would be difficult to calculate because not all infants are born with hair with some that lose their hair a few weeks after birth and others you do not begin to grow hair until several months after birth. The larger a sample size is, the more data and information you have which will result in a more precise estimate with a smaller margin of error. When a sample size is too small, the margin of error increases due to lack of data and information.

My sample size is 30 and my standard deviation is 5.44 rounded to two decimal places. My Margin of Error at 95% would be:

E = 1.96(5.44)/30 = 10.6624/30 = 1.94667899

E= 1.9 rounded to one decimal place

After reading the above student's work,

• Use the margin of error (3.9). You will use that value in another context.
• As another election cycle begins this fall, you will likely hear newscasters state poll data and then mention the margin of error.For example:
  • "Polls show that among likely voters in the Make-Believetown Governor's race, Bad Wolf is currently leading with 43% of expected votes, Little Pig has 41%, and 16% are undecided. The poll has a margin of error of 4%."
• Instead of the 4% margin of error currently in the example, use the margin of error from your classmate (3.9) as the new margin of error% for the poll.
• With a brief paragraph, explain who you believe will be the next imaginary governor of Make Believetown and why. Use the information you know about the margin of error to make your case.