In a recent study on veterinary practices, 25 cases of negligence were discovered at 10 randomly selected large veterinary hospitals in the state, compared to 12 cases of negligence at 10 randomly selected small veterinary clinics in the state. "The data show that it is safer to take pets to small clinics because visits to small clinics result in fewer cases of negligence." What is wrong with the preceding statement?
A) Larger hospitals will be safer because they have more doctors.
B) There are more patients at larger hospitals, so percentages should be compared.
C) The measurements are obviously biased.
D) It is unethical because of a lack of informed consent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect because it does not consider the fact that the number of cases of negligence should be compared as a percentage of the total number of patients seen, rather than simply in absolute numbers. The larger hospitals may treat more animals overall, so it is unfair to compare the absolute number of cases without taking this into account.

In a Recent Study on Veterinary Practices, 25 Cases of Negligence