Margin of Error

In the reading last week the idea of margin of error was discussed.  Margin of error in a statistical study is used to describe a confidence interval that is likely to contain the true population.  We find this interval by adding and subtracting the margin of error from the sample statistic obtained in the study.

For example, A poll finds that 57% of voters plan to vote for a new law, and the margin of error is 3%.  This means that the likelihood of the new law passing will be from 54% to 60% (52% +/- 3%).  So the bill will likely pass.

This next quiz will have you practicing the skills of finding the margin of error.