- CFA Exams
- CFA Level I Exam
- Topic 1. Quantitative Methods
- Learning Module 8. Hypothesis Testing
- Subject 7. Test of a Single Mean
CFA Practice Question
Sally Duvall is estimating the mean of a population with a sample of 35 observations. The variance is unknown. Which of the following statements is FALSE?
A. Using the t-test is a more conservative approach.
B. Using the z-test is a better approach for samples greater than 30.
C. If the underlying distribution is unknown, large samples can be tested with the help of the z-test due to the central limit theorem.
Explanation: While the z-test is applicable for larger samples, the t-test is a more appropriate method (to be safe).
User Contributed Comments 5
User | Comment |
---|---|
danlan | For larger samples, t-test becomes close to z-test, it's why it's acceptable to use z-test instead. |
krisc | Can z- test be used if the population variance is unknown??? If not, then how is A) correct??? |
adam08 | yes it can be as long as the sample is large enough (# > 30). |
kellyyang | adamO8, I think that you can not use Z test for population variance is unknown. However, if the population variance is unknown, and sample size n>30, you can use the t-test. |
nostalgia | if the population variance is unknown, and n >30, you can use both the z-test and the t-test, but the t-test would be the better approach. if the population variance is known, you must use the z-test. |