VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
**Core Concept**
The standard error of the mean (SEM) is a statistical measure that represents the variability or dispersion of the sample mean from the true population mean. In this context, the incubation period for measles is being measured in a group of children, and the calculated standard error will provide an estimate of the reliability of the sample mean.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
To calculate the standard error, we use the formula: SEM = σ / √n, where σ is the standard deviation of the sample and n is the sample size. Given that the deviation is 2 and the mean incubation period is 8 days, we can assume the standard deviation (σ) is 2 days. The sample size (n) is 25 children. Plugging these values into the formula, we get: SEM = 2 / √25 = 2 / 5 = 0.4 days.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not provided.
**Option B:** This option is not provided.
**Option C:** This option is not provided.
**Option D:** This option is not provided.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When calculating the standard error, it's essential to remember that the sample size (n) should be a whole number, and the standard deviation (σ) is a measure of the spread or dispersion of the data.
**Correct Answer: A. 0.4 days.**