Initial Publication Date: November 3, 2023

Confidence Intervals

This statistical vignette was developed by Meethila Rahman, Michelle Weirathmueller, Steve Juliano, Dax Soule and Diana Garcia Silva

Summary

Confidence intervals are widely used in various scientific fields to estimate a range of values within which a population parameter is likely to fall. This vignette aims to enhance a student's comprehension of confidence intervals and their use in estimating population parameters based on sample data.

Learning Objectives

Understand the concept of confidence intervals and how they help estimate population parameters from sample data
Investigate sample data to quantify an estimate population parameter
Learn the key components and calculations involved in creating confidence intervals

Context for Use

This vignette can be used in either a single lab or lecture session and should take between 15 and 20 minutes for introductory or intermediate level students.

The vignette has been implemented in conjunction with the EDDIE Using Ecological Forecasts to Guide Decision Making Module.

The vignette is also suitable for use as a stand alone activity or as a supplement to course material that investigates the use of estimation of population parameters based on sample data.