In the context of an introductory statistics course, if authors use $\mathrm{statistics}$ in an excerpt, what is the most likely purpose of including those $\mathrm{statistics}$?

• A. To present random data without any connection to the topic
• B. To distract the reader from the main point of the excerpt
• C. To replace the need for any further explanation or discussion
• D. To provide evidence that supports a claim or argument made in the excerpt

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of statistics in a text: Statistics are numerical data used to summarize, describe, or support information.
2. Recognize that in an excerpt, statistics are typically included to strengthen the author's point by providing concrete evidence.
3. Eliminate options that do not align with the purpose of statistics, such as presenting random data, distracting the reader, or replacing explanations.
4. Identify that the most logical and educational purpose of including statistics is to provide evidence that supports a claim or argument made in the excerpt.
5. Conclude that statistics serve as a tool to make arguments more convincing and credible by backing them up with data.