iwillcrackgmat wrote:
Although the mathematical validity of the laws of probability is indisputable, most people do not trust the dictates of these laws. Even among people who claim to have studied probability theory, for instance, a majority express a greater fear of flying on commercial airlines than of driving an automobile on our nation’s highways, despite the fact that the probability
that one would suffer an automobile-related death or injury by choosing to drive is more than twenty times the probability of an airline-related death or injury if one chooses to fly.
Which one of the following, if true, provides the best explanation for people’s mistrust of the laws of
probability in the case described above?
A. A complete understanding of the laws of probability requires a thorough knowledge of advanced statistical analysis techniques.
B. People who studied probability theory in an academic environment may be ill equipped to apply that knowledge to real-world situations.
C. People tend to suspend their belief in probability when they feel somewhat in control of their own fate.
D. The probability of automobile-related injury or death is not significant enough to dissuade many people from driving.
E. The greatest risk to the individual driver in terms of automobile-related injuries or fatalities are the actions of the other drivers on the road
QS - People's
mistrust in Probability laws in case mentioned
A. A complete understanding of the laws of probability requires a thorough knowledge of advanced statistical analysis techniques.
Reason for mistrust - lack of thorough knowledge of advanced statistical analysis techniques
Problem - question asks about mistrust,
explanation is about inability to understand. People might already understand or not, but reason for not trusting is not given
B. People who studied probability theory in an academic environment may be ill equipped to apply that knowledge to real-world situations.
Reason for mistrust - ill equipped to apply that knowledge
Problem -
Doesn't cover mistrust, explanation is about
inability to apply understanding in real world
C. People tend to suspend their belief in probability when they feel somewhat in control of their own fate.
Reason for mistrust -
control of their own fateD. The probability of automobile-related injury or death is not significant enough to dissuade many people from driving
Reason for mistrust - Not available. Talks about reason for lack of mistrust in automobile injuries/deaths
Problem -
Out of scopeE. The greatest risk to the individual driver in terms of automobile-related injuries or fatalities are the actions of the other drivers on the road
Reason for mistrust - Not available. Talks about one of the factors unrelated to mistrust in probability
Problem -
Out of scope