The OE (Veritas Prep)
Correct Answer: D
The comparison suggested in D would be useful in evaluating Lakeview's assessment of the causes of the increase in its voter participation. If the increase in voting is as great in precincts that are, except for the existence of busing campaigns, demographically similar to Lakeview, then the conclusion is undermined. However, if the increase in participation is not as great in such precincts as in Lakeview, the election board's claim is supported. Thus, choice D is the best answer. Choices A and B are both inappropriate because they concern only the rates of participation, and do not assess a hypothesis of the causes of participation. Choices C and E suggest comparisons that would not assess the election board's claim about this election. Rather, choices C and E suggest comparisons of separate elections within Lakeview, where factors other than the busing campaign may cause different rates of participation.
But I'm still not convinced as to why C is incorrect.
Correct Answer: D
The comparison suggested in D would be useful in evaluating Lakeview's assessment of the causes of the increase in its voter participation. If the increase in voting is as great in precincts that are, except for the existence of busing campaigns, demographically similar to Lakeview, then the conclusion is undermined. However, if the increase in participation is not as great in such precincts as in Lakeview, the election board's claim is supported. Thus, choice D is the best answer. Choices A and B are both inappropriate because they concern only the rates of participation, and do not assess a hypothesis of the causes of participation. Choices C and E suggest comparisons that would not assess the election board's claim about this election. Rather, choices C and E suggest comparisons of separate elections within Lakeview, where factors other than the busing campaign may cause different rates of participation.
But I'm still not convinced as to why C is incorrect.