A researcher measures the height of 64 adult males and finds a standard deviation of 16 cm. The standard error of the mean is:
- A 0.25 cm
- B 2 cm ✓
- C 4 cm
- D 8 cm
Correct answer: B. 2 cm
Explanation
Standard error of the mean equals standard deviation divided by square root of sample size. Here SEM = 16 / sqrt(64) = 16 / 8 = 2 cm. Option A uses 16/64 (forgets square root). Option C uses sqrt(16)=4 (wrong formula). Option D is half the SD with no basis. The formula SEM = SD/sqrt(n) is fundamental and directly tested.
Reference: Methods in Biostatistics, 7th ed.
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