Sampling Error

The sampling error is the difference

between a sample statistic and its
corresponding population parameter.
Examples:
X 
s 
s 
2 2

p 
8-1
 LO 8-2
Simple Random Sample: June
1
Rentals
0
2 2
Using Excel 3
4
3
2
5 3
Jane and Joe Miley operate the Foxtrot Inn, a 6 4
7 2
bed and breakfast in Tryon, North 8 3
Carolina. There are eight rooms available 9
10
4
7
for rent at this B&B. Listed below is the 11 3
12 4
number of these eight rooms rented each 13 4
day during June 2008. Use Excel to select 14 4
15 7
a sample of five nights during the month 16 0
17 5
of June. 18 3
 Find the mean of the population. Use 19
20
6
2
Excel or other statistical software to 21 3
22 2
select three random samples of five days. 23 3
Calculate the mean of each sample and 24 6
25 0
compare it to the population mean. What 26 4
27 1
is the sampling error in each case? 28 1
29 3
30 3
8-3
Solution
 LO 8-4 Describe the sampling distribution of the mean.

Sampling Distribution of the Sample Mean

The sampling distribution of the

sample mean is a probability
distribution consisting of all possible
sample means of a given sample
size selected from a population.

8-7