After examining the FBI Crime Reports for a 30-year period, Professor Hall claimed that the incidence of rape has increased. After examining the same reports, Professor Shine claimed that the reporting of rape, not the incidence of rape, has increased. This illustrates
A) the problem of reliability in using existing statistics.
B) the problem of validity in using existing statistics.
C) the need to replicate existing statistics.
D) the ecological fallacy.

Question

After examining the FBI Crime Reports for a 30-year period, Professor Hall claimed that the incidence of rape has increased. After examining the same reports, Professor Shine claimed that the reporting of rape, not the incidence of rape, has increased. This illustrates​
A) ​the problem of reliability in using existing statistics.
B) the problem of validity in using existing statistics.​
C) the need to replicate existing statistics.​
D) the ecological fallacy.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The problem of reliability in using existing statistics refers to the consistency and accuracy of the data. In this case, the two professors came to different conclusions after examining the same data, which suggests that the data may not be reliable.

After Examining the FBI Crime Reports for a 30-Year Period