American Idol 2.1

Chapter 13

20. Is the sample size appropriate? Why or why not?

Marcello and Litzenberger discussed to have about a sample size of 1045 adults. This was found to be excessive by taking their data and having enough to figure out by using sample size determination using proportions. We specified the level of precision, which was +/- .03 because it was said that the results would be accurate within that 3% range. Then they had determined the level of confidence, which was 95%, which then we were able to find out our z-value associated with this confidence level. 1.96 represented the z-value. If only 10% of the sample reported, with the given confidence was our population proportion. From there all the variables were given, and we were able to figure out the sample size. It is to be estimated with 95% confidence level and with a margin of error not to exceed +/- 3%, the sample size should be at least 384. A sample size of 1045 adults exceeds the 384 needed. Which means that they could save some money in the long run by cutting down the number that is provided and could then help with the costs of the survey.

Chapter 14

21. If you were the supervisor in charge of the CARAVAN telephone interviewers, what challenges would you face?

If I was the supervisor in charge of the CARAVAN telephone interviewers, it is important for me to make sure that they are following the procedures and techniques in which they were trained. If problems are detected, I should discuss them with the field workers and provide them additional training or the adequate help that they need. Some challenges that I can be facing at the CARAVAN telephone interviewers can be not having control of cheating, another challenge may be not having quality control and editing, this involves having problems that the field procedures are not being properly implemented. Also, another challenge can be that the telephone interviewers are not following the sampling plan what will lead me to not have sampling control in that moment and last but not least, another challenge that I can face is not being able to provide a quality cost control information to my central office.

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