16Hit1600
Craft and StructureHardApplying a caution to a claim

Craft and Structure practice question

Text 1 When a survey reports what people say they do, statistician Ivo Marek warns, remember that people tend to report the behaviour they think they should have, not the behaviour they had. Text 2 A council survey found that 85% of residents say they recycle all their glass, and the council has concluded that its recycling campaign has succeeded.

Based on the texts, how would Marek most likely respond to the council's conclusion?

  1. A. By suggesting that the 85% may reflect what residents feel they ought to do, and that actual glass collections should be checked.Correct
  2. B. By agreeing that 85% of residents recycle all their glass.
  3. C. By arguing that the campaign should be cancelled.
  4. D. By denying that the survey was conducted.

Answer: A. By suggesting that the 85% may reflect what residents feel they ought to do, and that actual glass collections should be checked.

Marek's warning: self-reports drift toward the ideal; check the behaviour.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. By agreeing that 85% of residents recycle all their glass.
His caution argues against taking the figure at face value.
C. By arguing that the campaign should be cancelled.
Not proposed.
D. By denying that the survey was conducted.
The survey is not disputed.

More Craft and Structure questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.