Statistics can promote limitations in perception in all of the following ways except by __________.

• A. encouraging critical thinking about data sources
• B. oversimplifying complex phenomena through averages
• C. creating a false sense of certainty with precise numbers
• D. focusing attention on numerical summaries rather than context

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question is asking which option is NOT a way statistics can limit perception.
2. Review each option to see if it represents a limitation caused by statistics:
3. Option 1: "encouraging critical thinking about data sources" - This promotes better understanding and reduces limitations, so it is likely the exception.
4. Option 2: "oversimplifying complex phenomena through averages" - This is a known limitation because averages can hide variability and details.
5. Option 3: "creating a false sense of certainty with precise numbers" and Option 4: "focusing attention on numerical summaries rather than context" both represent common limitations in interpreting statistics.