Statistics and Probability Commons^™

Better Binomial Confidence Intervals, James F. Reed Iii

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The construction of a confidence interval for a binomial parameter is a basic analysis in statistical inference. Most introductory statistics textbook authors present the binomial confidence interval based on the asymptotic normality of the sample proportion and estimating the standard error - the Wald method. For the one sample binomial confidence interval the Clopper-Pearson exact method has been regarded as definitive as it eliminates both overshoot and zero width intervals. The Clopper-Pearson exact method is the most conservative and is unquestionably a better alternative to the Wald method. Other viable alternatives include Wilson's Score, the Agresti-Coull method, and the Borkowf …