Most binomial probability calculations required in these exercises can be done by using Table C or the Normal approximation. Your instructor may request that you use the binomial probability formula or software. In exercises requiring the Normal approximation, you should use the continuity correction if you studied that topic.

Question 5.30

5.30 Online learning.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education released a report on online learning stating that blended instruction, a combination of conventional face-to-face and online instruction, appears more effective in terms of student performance than conventional teaching.9 You decide to poll the incoming students at your institution to see if they prefer courses that blend face-to-face instruction with online components. In an SRS of 400 incoming students, you find that 311 prefer this type of course.

  1. What is the sample proportion who prefer this type of blended instruction?
  2. If the population proportion for all students nationwide is 85%, what is the standard deviation of ?
  3. Using the 68–95–99.7 rule, if you had drawn an SRS from the United States, you would expect to fall between what two percents about 95% of the time?
  4. Based on your result in part (a), do you think that the incoming students at your institution prefer this type of instruction more, less, or about the same as students nationally? Explain your answer.