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Two-sided confidence intervals for the single proportion: comparison of seven methods
1University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, U.K.
Statistics in Medicine
|May 22, 1998
Summary
Simple interval estimate methods for proportions often fail, providing inaccurate results. Tail area and simpler score methods are recommended for reliable proportion estimation, ensuring better coverage and usability.
Area of Science:
- Statistics
- Biostatistics
- Statistical Inference
Background:
- Simple interval estimation methods for proportions frequently demonstrate inadequate coverage.
- These methods can yield inappropriate intervals, impacting statistical reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and recommend superior interval estimation methods for proportions.
- To assess methods based on coverage probability, interval location, width, and practical usability.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of seven distinct single-proportion interval estimation methods.
- Comprehensive assessment across 96,000 parameter space points.
Main Results:
- Intervals derived from tail area and simpler score methods showed superior performance.
- These recommended methods offer improved coverage accuracy and practical utility.
Conclusions:
- Tail area and simpler score methods are recommended for proportion interval estimation.
- These methods provide options to align minimum or mean coverage with nominal values, enhancing statistical practice.
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