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Information and IdeasVery hardReading a table of crop yields under two methods

Information and Ideas practice question

Yield per hectare on trial plots (tonnes) Method | Plots | Mean yield | Lowest plot | Highest plot Standard | 20 | 6.1 | 5.6 | 6.5 New | 20 | 6.4 | 3.9 | 8.8 An agronomist notes that although the new method has the higher mean yield, ____

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

  1. A. its results ranged from 3.9 to 8.8 tonnes, far more variable than the standard method's 5.6 to 6.5, so a farmer using it risks a much worse year.Correct
  2. B. the standard method's mean yield was 6.1 tonnes.
  3. C. both methods were tested on 20 plots.
  4. D. the new method's best plot yielded 8.8 tonnes.

Answer: A. its results ranged from 3.9 to 8.8 tonnes, far more variable than the standard method's 5.6 to 6.5, so a farmer using it risks a much worse year.

Higher mean, much wider spread.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. the standard method's mean yield was 6.1 tonnes.
The standard mean, no contrast about risk.
C. both methods were tested on 20 plots.
Equal plots, no point.
D. the new method's best plot yielded 8.8 tonnes.
The best plot alone flatters the new method.

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