Which conclusion is best supported by the data?
A transport agency surveyed 2400 commuters in three cities. In City A, 38 per cent drive alone, 41 per cent use trains and 21 per cent cycle or walk. In City B, 62 per cent drive alone, 25 per cent use trains and 13 per cent cycle or walk. In City C, 29 per cent drive alone, 33 per cent use trains and 38 per cent cycle or walk. Average one-way trip times were 34 minutes in City A, 41 minutes in City B and 29 minutes in City C. City B has the lowest population density of the three; City C has the highest. Fuel prices were similar in all three cities. The agency's report states that dense cities 'produce' shorter commutes.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The city with the lowest density has the highest share of solo drivers and the longest average trip
- Step 1: B is lowest density, has 62 per cent solo drivers and 41-minute trips. Step 2. C is highest density but its train share (33) is below A's (41). Answer: the B pattern. Why not the others: the other conclusions misstate train use, ignore the equal fuel prices, or assume cause from correlation.
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