Digital signal and image processing (DSIP) has a wide variety of applications, including entertainment (video on demand), telemedicine, security/surveillance, military target recognition, wireless communications, and intelligent transportation systems. Consequently, there is a rapidly growing need for engineers trained in DSIP. The International Journal of Electrical Engineering Education (Apr. 2004) reported on an evaluation of the experimental DSIP undergraduate research curriculum at Western Michigan University (WMU). A sample of 50 students responded to the statement “I believe that this research experience is very valuable to my professional future.” The results: 47 students agreed, 3 students were neutral, and 0 students disagreed with the statement.

a. Estimate the proportion of WMU students who agree that their DSIP research experience is valuable to their professional future. Use a 99% confidence interval.

b. Estimate the difference between the proportions of WMU students who agree and who are neutral about the statement. Use a 99% confidence interval.