For Mathguru_
from statistic question on
Tuesday April 10, 2007
follow up question- what if I wasn't given the standard deviation either- how would I solve this problem
Other tutors can help, but without the previous information, it is impossible to help you. Please repost with all the data. Thanks for asking.
If you weren't given the standard deviation in a statistical problem, you will need to rely on other summary statistics or assumptions to find the solution. Here are a few approaches you could consider:
1. Sample 1: If you have a set of data points for one sample and want to find the mean or estimate a confidence interval, you can calculate the sample standard deviation based on these data points. Then, you can use this sample standard deviation as an approximation of the population standard deviation.
2. Sample 2: If you have two samples and want to compare their means or conduct a hypothesis test, you can use the difference in sample means to make inferences. However, keep in mind that without the standard deviation, you may have to rely on assumptions, such as assuming both samples have equal variances (known as the "equal variance assumption").
3. Estimation: If you are interested in estimating a population mean and do not have any sample data, you can use statistical methods like confidence intervals. These methods often rely on assumptions, such as assuming normality or using robust estimators.
4. Simulation: In some cases, when no data or summary statistics are available, you may resort to simulations. By generating synthetic data based on informed assumptions or prior knowledge, you can explore the possible outcomes and draw inferences from the simulated results.
However, it's important to note that the choice of approach will depend on the specific problem and the context in which it arises. It is always recommended to consult with a statistics expert or reach out to a tutor for personalized guidance in these situations.