An Ad for ARCO Graphite Motor Oil Says (Really): "Based

question 8

Multiple Choice

An ad for ARCO graphite motor oil says (really) : "Based on a 95% confidence level, our tests achieved between 1% and 8.7% mileage improvement" as compared with a conventional motor oil. What does the phrase "95% confidence level" mean here?

• A) ARCO graphite beats 95% of conventional motor oils.
• B) The interval from 1% to 8.7% covers 95% of the mileage improvements observed in the tests.
• C) The tests included 95% of all oil brands on the market.
• D) The estimate that mileage improves somewhere between 1% and 8.7% came from a method that would catch the true improvement in 95% of all similar tests.
• E) A mistake has been made, because 95% + 8.7% is more than 100%.

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Definitions:

Robert K. Merton

An American sociologist known for developing theories such as the self-fulfilling prophecy, strain theory, and the roles of social structure in scientific knowledge.

Systems Theory

An interdisciplinary theory about the nature of complex systems in nature, society, and science, which suggests that entities can be understood as cohesive wholes.

Structural-Functionalism

From a sociological standpoint, this perspective considers society as a sophisticated entity where its elements are interconnected, working collectively to ensure cohesion and balance.

Functional Explanation

An explanation based on the role or function that a particular event, behavior, or phenomenon serves within a larger system.