Section: Module 3: Confidence Intervals | Biostatistics | NextGenU.org

  • Competencies covered in this module
    1. Distinguish among the different measurement scales and the implications for selection of statistical methods to be used based on these distinctions.
    2. Apply common statistical methods for inference.
    3. Apply descriptive and inferential methodologies according to the type of study design for answering a particular research question.
    • In this short module, we build on the concept of sampling distributions to use samples to make inferences on the population. We will start by understanding inference and estimation, then learn to calculate confidence intervals. We will also look at factors and conditions that influence estimation.

      In contrast to an orderly presentation such as in previous modules, most of the resources in this module cover the same key concepts in slightly different ways.

      Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

      • Understand and be able to apply point estimation and confidence interval estimation
      • Recognize inference on means versus inference on proportions
      • Be able to calculate one-sided and two-sided confidence intervals for mean and proportion
      • Understand the effect of sample size and other conditions on estimation, as well as understand and be able to calculate the sample size needed to achieve the desired confidence level
    • Module 3: Lesson 1:  Point and Confidence Interval Estimation
       
      Student Learning Objectives:

      Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

      • Understand and be able to apply point estimation and confidence interval estimation.
      • Recognize inference on means versus inference on proportions.
      • Be able to calculate one-sided and two-sided confidence intervals for mean and proportion.

      Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 3 hours.

       
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
      • Read the web page. Then, access the lessons "Degrees of Freedom" and "Characteristics of Estimators" by clicking on the links titled "Standard" found on the left side of the web page under the headings "3. Degrees of Freedom" and "4. Characteristics of Estimators" in the section "Chapter X. Estimation". Read the content of those links.
      • Understand and be able to apply point estimation and confidence interval estimation.

      • Read the web page, as well as the content of sections 4.2.1 (Interpreting Confidence Intervals) and 4.2.2 (Application of Confidence Intervals). Access sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 by clicking on the appropriate links found on the left side of the web page.
      • Understand and be able to apply point estimation and confidence interval estimation.

      • Download the PDF version of the text by clicking on the appropriate link. Then, read the introductory section to Chapter 8, as well as sections 8.1 to 8.3 (pages 443–467).  Sections 8.4 to 8.6 are considered optional reading.
      • Recognize inference on means versus inference on proportion.

      • Read slides 2–8.
      • Be able to calculate one-sided and two-sided confidence intervals for mean and proportion.

      • Read to the end of slide 24.
      • Be able to calculate one-sided and two-sided confidence intervals for mean and proportion.

    • quiz icon
      Quiz: Module 3: Lesson 1

      To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the "Preview quiz now" button to respond to the questions.

      TO PASS THIS QUIZ, YOU MUST OBTAIN A SCORE OF 80% 

      Not available unless: The activity Quiz: Module 2: Lesson 2 is marked complete
    • Additional Learning Options
      • Read the web page, as well as the content of section 9.2 (Confidence Intervals for a Population Mean). Access section 9.2 by clicking on the link "9.2 – Confidence Intervals for a Population Mean" found on the left side of the web page.

    • Module 3: Lesson 2: Effect of Sample Size on Confidence Interval
       
      Student Learning Objectives:

      Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

      • Understand the effect of sample size and other conditions on estimation as well as understand and be able to calculate the sample size needed to achieve the desired confidence level.

      Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this module: 1 hour.

       
      Required Learning Resources and Activities
      • Read the web page. Then, click on pages 2, 3, and 4, and read the content of each page.
      • Understand the effect of sample size and other conditions on estimation as well as understand and be able to calculate the sample size needed to achieve the desired confidence level.

      • Read the web page. Then, on the left hand side of the web page, click on the link titled "Standard" found under each of the following six headings: "8. Confidence Interval for Mean", "9. t distribution", "10. Confidence Interval Simulation", "11. Difference between Means", "12. Correlation", and "13. Proportion". Read the content of those web pages.
      • Understand the effect of sample size and other conditions on estimation as well as understand and be able to calculate the sample size needed to achieve the desired confidence level.

    • quiz icon
      Quiz: Module 3: Lesson 2

      To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the "Preview quiz now" button to respond to the questions.

      TO PASS THIS QUIZ, YOU MUST OBTAIN A SCORE OF 80% 

      Not available unless: The activity Quiz: Module 3: Lesson 1 is marked complete