Why do we divide by N-1 rather than by N when estimating a population standard deviation from the sample standard deviation? a. We allow the error of our estimate (the standard deviation) to be larger by dividing the sum of squares by a smaller number because sample standard deviation is likely to be an imprecise estimate. b. We do it because we typically have to throw out at least 1 data point in any given study, so the N- allows us to account for that. c. None of these statements actually describe why we divide by N-1 rather than by N. d. We do it because the sample deviation is a superior estimate of the variability in the population than in the population standard deviation.
Why do we divide by N-1 rather than by N when estimating a population standard deviation from the sample standard deviation?
a. We allow the error of our estimate (the standard deviation) to be larger by dividing the sum of squares by a smaller number because sample standard deviation is likely to be an imprecise estimate.
b. We do it because we typically have to throw out at least 1 data point in any given study, so the N- allows us to account for that.
c. None of these statements actually describe why we divide by N-1 rather than by N.
d. We do it because the sample deviation is a superior estimate of the variability in the population than in the population standard deviation.
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