When calculating an unbiased estimate of population variance from a sample, which denominator is used?
Correct answer: B. n minus 1
- A. n
- B. n minus 1
- C. n plus 1
- D. 2n
Explanation
The sample variance uses n minus 1 in the denominator to correct for the loss of one degree of freedom when the sample mean is estimated. Using n gives the population variance formula and generally underestimates population variance from a sample.
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