Researchers are estimating a population proportion using a sampling distribution of sample proportions with sample size \( n \). If the researchers want to increase the standard error of their sampling distribution they should... increase the sample size decrease the sample size increase the sample proportion \( \hat{p} \) decrease the sample proportion \( \hat{p} \)

To increase the standard error of a sampling distribution, researchers should decrease the sample size \( n \). A smaller sample size leads to a greater variability in sample proportions, which results in a larger standard error. This is crucial to remember when designing studies or surveys! On the other hand, the sample proportion \( \hat{p} \) is less directly related to standard error adjustments. While changes in \( \hat{p} \) can affect the width of confidence intervals, adjusting sample size directly influences the reliability of estimates, making sample size a primary factor for researchers to manage.