Although the mathematical validity of the laws of

Hi,

I think its C.

The stimlus clearly states that the automobile vs plane is an example. Further the stimulus does not provide any information regarding whether the accident is caused by other driver or the individual himself.

C seems to be the plausible answer compared to E

My answer is C

I am sorry that I dont know the OA for this question, so a brainstorming is helpful.

Thanks Chris,

I understand how C explains the situation.But I think answer choice B is very strong too and can equally be correct. Could you please explain what is wrong with answer choice B here?

POE works !!!
only (C) states the belief of people on not-considering the probability thoery.
C. People tend to suspend their belief in probability when they feel somewhat in control of their own fate.
+1 (C)

This is a bridge the gap type of question. There is an apparent discrepancy between what is observed and what should theoretically happen, and we are asked to account for this difference.

A) mentions statistics so is attractive, but doesn't bring us any closer to explaining the discrepancy.

B) explains why people disregard the statistical evidence, but does nothing to bring the argument closer to why people would actively take additional risk. Therefore this answer only halfway bridges the gap between the why should happen, and what does. That makes it an attractive answer, but not quite correct. Furthermore, there is a small clue in the vocabularly used. The text says even among people who claim to have studied statistical probability meaning that this argument is true of both people who study probability, and people that don't. Whereas B) only accounts for people that study probability and disregards people that don't.

C) correct as it accounts for the gap between what people believe and how they act.

D) really just restates what we already know. The argument tells us that people who understand statistics will know that the chances of getting hurt in a car accident are much higher that in a plane, but still people would rather drive. The d) tells us that people feel that the risk is low enough that they would still drive. Clearly that is the case or people would neither drive or fly, and we wouldn't be having this argument.

E) is attractive because it mentions automobiles and probabilities, but doesn't actually close this gap. It mearly makes a claim about the origin of injuries sustained in automobile accidents.

Hope that helps!

B.

The premise says that ".......... most people do not trust the dictates of these laws. "
so, the situation is not about the "application of knowledge, doesn't matter some one has the knowledge or not and is capable of applying the knowledge which (B) states.

B/w B and C, I choose C. B seems to state the fact that the argument covers already.

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.

From the highlighted parts of the argument, it is clear that in spite of sufficient knowledge the people tend to have an unexplained or unfounded fear towards flying by air. The only answer choice that matches the implied meaning of the highlighted portion is answer choice C.

Be careful about the trap answer D as it may be tempting but in a resolve the paradox question the resolution must not focus only on one issue like D does.

only B and C are left. B is a strengthener and B does not tell why planes, not driving cars, are more fearful. => B is out

Choice C made real sense reading after picking up wrong choice E.

Correct answer is C. PFB


A. A complete understanding of the laws of probability requires a thorough knowledge of advanced statistical analysis techniques. - Not required for the conclusion of the argument.
B. People who studied probability theory in an academic environment may be ill equipped to apply that knowledge to real-world situations. - Premise does't mention of the People's ability to apply probability theory.
C. People tend to suspend their belief in probability when they feel somewhat in control of their own fate. - Correct. If people strongly believe that they can control their own fate, giving conclusion weakens.
D. The probability of automobile-related injury or death is not significant enough to dissuade many people from driving. - Out of Scope
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[/quote] - Out of scope

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 fate

D. 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 scope

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
Reason for mistrust - Not available. Talks about one of the factors unrelated to mistrust in probability
Problem - Out of scope