that "n" in the equation is the number sampled.  If n is much less
than N, the
total population, then the total population size is not an issue. 
"much less"
is usually taken to mean 1/10 or 1/8.  See discussion on sampling theory.

Jay

Fred Ettish wrote:

> A recent poll by the Pew Group of 15000 Muslims world wide found 71% support
> Bin Laden. Looking at my textbook the formula for a population proportion
> is:
>
> p +/- Z * SQRT ( p(1-p)/n )
>
> Ok simple enough, but my question is doesn't the population size affect the
> confidence interval? How does the fact that their are 2000000000 affect the
> interval?
>
> Thanks
>
> .
> .
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--
Jay Warner
Principal Scientist
Warner Consulting, Inc.
4444 North Green Bay Road
Racine, WI 53404-1216
USA

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