key term - Pooled Sample Proportion

Definition

The pooled sample proportion is a statistical measure used to estimate the common proportion between two populations when conducting hypothesis testing for two proportions. It combines the sample proportions from both groups into a single, weighted average to represent the overall proportion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pooled sample proportion is used when the null hypothesis assumes that the two population proportions are equal.
2. The pooled sample proportion is calculated as a weighted average of the individual sample proportions, with the weights being the sample sizes of each group.
3. The pooled sample proportion is denoted as $\hat{p}_{pooled}$ and is used in the test statistic for hypothesis testing of two proportions.
4. The pooled sample proportion is a more reliable estimate of the common proportion compared to using the individual sample proportions, especially when the sample sizes are small.
5. The pooled sample proportion is a key component in determining the p-value and making a decision about the null hypothesis in hypothesis testing for two proportions.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose of using the pooled sample proportion in hypothesis testing for two proportions.
  • The pooled sample proportion is used in hypothesis testing for two proportions when the null hypothesis assumes that the two population proportions are equal. By combining the sample proportions from both groups into a single, weighted average, the pooled sample proportion provides a more reliable estimate of the common proportion between the two populations. This allows for a more accurate test statistic and p-value calculation, which is crucial for determining whether there is a significant difference between the two proportions.
• Describe how the pooled sample proportion is calculated and the factors that influence its value.
  • The pooled sample proportion, denoted as $\hat{p}_{pooled}$, is calculated as a weighted average of the individual sample proportions. The weights used are the sample sizes of each group, so that the larger the sample size, the more influence that group's sample proportion has on the pooled value. The pooled sample proportion is influenced by the relative sizes of the two samples, as well as the actual values of the individual sample proportions. If the sample sizes are equal, the pooled proportion will be the simple average of the two sample proportions.
• Explain the role of the pooled sample proportion in the test statistic for hypothesis testing of two proportions and how it affects the interpretation of the results.
  • The pooled sample proportion is a key component of the test statistic used in hypothesis testing for two proportions. The test statistic, which follows a standard normal distribution, is calculated using the pooled sample proportion and the individual sample sizes and proportions. The pooled sample proportion ensures that the test statistic accurately reflects the common proportion between the two populations, rather than relying solely on the individual sample proportions. This, in turn, affects the p-value calculation and the ultimate decision about the null hypothesis, allowing for a more reliable and meaningful interpretation of the results.

Related terms

Sample Proportion:

The proportion of successes in a sample, calculated as the number of successes divided by the total number of observations in the sample.

Hypothesis Testing for Two Proportions: A statistical procedure used to determine if there is a significant difference between the proportions of two independent populations.

Weighted Average: A calculation that takes into account the relative importance or size of each value, giving more weight to larger or more significant values.