Command of Evidence (Quantitative) Flashcards

A researcher claims that 'most students prefer online learning.' Which quantitative evidence would BEST support this claim?

Answer: A survey showing 62% prefer online, 28% prefer in-person, 10% have no preference

To support 'most students prefer online learning,' you need quantitative data showing more than 50% prefer online learning. Only option B shows 62%, which constitutes a majority.

A graph shows that City A has 120 crimes per 1,000 residents while City B has 180 total crimes with 2,000 residents. What can be correctly concluded?

Answer: City A has a higher crime rate than City B

City A has 120 per 1,000 residents (12% rate). City B has 180 crimes ÷ 2,000 residents = 90 per 1,000 residents (9% rate). City A has the higher rate.

Which of the following data presentations would be LEAST reliable for supporting an argument about national education trends?

Answer: Survey responses from 200 parents in a single wealthy suburban district

Option C has the smallest sample size from only one demographic area, making it least representative of national trends. The other options have larger, more diverse samples.

A study reports: 'Exercise reduces stress levels by an average of 23 points on a 100-point scale (p < 0.05, n = 500).' What does this quantitative information tell us?

Answer: The results are statistically significant with a substantial sample size

The p < 0.05 indicates statistical significance, n = 500 shows a large sample size, and 'average' indicates the mean reduction across participants, making the findings reliable.

An author argues that renewable energy is becoming more cost-effective. Which quantitative evidence would WEAKEN this argument?

Answer: Wind energy installation costs rose 15% in the past two years

Rising installation costs for wind energy would weaken the argument that renewable energy is becoming more cost-effective. The other options either support the argument or are neutral.

A poll shows candidate support: Johnson 45%, Smith 42%, margin of error ±4%. Based on this quantitative data, what is the most accurate interpretation?

Answer: The race is too close to call based on this poll

With a 3-point difference and ±4% margin of error, the ranges overlap significantly (Johnson: 41-49%, Smith: 38-46%), making the race statistically tied.