Confidence Intervals

C

A confidence interval gives a range of values within which there is a high probability that the population parameter occurs.

The correct answer is C. A confidence interval.

A confidence interval is a statistical range that provides an estimate of the likely range within which a population parameter lies. It is commonly used in inferential statistics to estimate an unknown population parameter, such as the mean or proportion.

Here's a detailed explanation of the other answer options as well:

A. A point estimate: A point estimate is a single value that is used to estimate an unknown population parameter. It is based on sample data and provides an approximation of the population parameter. However, it does not provide any information about the range of possible values around the estimate.

B. A normal deviate: A normal deviate, also known as a z-score, is a measure of how many standard deviations a data point or estimate is away from the mean of a normal distribution. While it is used in statistical calculations, it does not directly indicate the range over which a population parameter likely lies.

C. A confidence interval: A confidence interval is a range of values that is constructed around a point estimate. It provides an estimate of the likely range within which a population parameter, such as the mean or proportion, is expected to fall. The confidence interval is accompanied by a confidence level, typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., 95% confidence interval). The confidence level represents the probability that the interval will contain the true population parameter if the sampling process is repeated many times.

D. A stratified range estimate: This answer option is not a commonly used statistical term. Stratified sampling is a sampling technique that involves dividing the population into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and then taking random samples from each stratum. However, a "stratified range estimate" is not a recognized term in statistics and does not describe the range over which a population parameter likely lies.

Therefore, the most appropriate answer is C. A confidence interval, as it specifically refers to the range over which a population parameter is estimated to lie with a certain level of confidence.