Evaluating Evidence Relevance and Sufficiency

1 questions

The following appeared in a memorandum from the city council of Oakridge:

"Two years ago, the city of Oakridge installed dedicated bicycle lanes along main downtown thoroughfares and reduced the vehicular speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph. Since these changes were implemented, reported traffic accidents in the downtown area have decreased by 20 percent. Furthermore, a local merchant association survey indicated that foot traffic in front of downtown businesses increased by 15 percent over the same period. To replicate this success and boost economic activity throughout the city, Oakridge should implement identical bicycle lanes and speed limit reductions on all residential streets across the municipality."

Which of the following additional pieces of information or evidence are necessary to properly evaluate whether the proposed extension of bicycle lanes and speed limit reductions to residential streets is logically justified and sufficient? Select all that apply.

Select all that apply

A comparison of baseline traffic collision rates and speed-related hazards on residential streets versus downtown thoroughfares prior to the changes.

Data demonstrating whether the increase in downtown foot traffic was driven by the street changes rather than external economic factors such as new retail openings or regional tourism growth.

Testimonials from a small sample of three neighborhood residents expressing personal enthusiasm for quieter residential streets.

An architectural report evaluating the chemical composition and longevity of the paint used for bicycle lane lines in neighboring municipalities.

Confirmation that local sporting goods stores in Oakridge currently offer discounts on bicycle helmets and safety gear.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A comparison of baseline traffic collision rates and speed-related hazards on residential streets versus downtown thoroughfares prior to the changes.; Data demonstrating whether the increase in downtown foot traffic was driven by the street changes rather than external economic factors such as new retail openings or regional tourism growth.

Answer

The correct options are the statement comparing baseline traffic collision rates between residential and downtown streets, and the statement examining whether external economic factors caused the downtown foot traffic increase.

Evaluating evidence relevance and sufficiency requires assessing whether cited premises directly prove the conclusion and whether critical comparative or causal data is missing. Comparing baseline safety hazards across different street types determines whether the policy is relevant to residential areas. Investigating alternative causes for foot traffic growth determines whether the original downtown evidence validly supports claims of economic impact.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the prompt's conclusion and underlying premises.

The memorandum concludes that Oakridge should extend downtown traffic modifications to all residential streets to increase safety and economic activity.

Evaluating an argument requires pinpointing what claim is being made and what evidence is cited to support it.

Identify evidentiary gaps in transferring policy from downtown to residential streets.

Downtown thoroughfares and residential streets have fundamentally different traffic volumes, speeds, and hazard profiles. Evidence comparing baseline hazards is essential to evaluate if the solution fits the context.

A policy success in one context cannot be assumed sufficient for a different context without comparative data.

Evaluate causal assumptions regarding the reported benefits.

The increase in foot traffic is attributed to bike lanes and speed limits without ruling out alternative causes like regional tourism or new businesses.

To evaluate if the evidence is sufficient, one must verify that the intervention actually caused the observed outcome.

Key Concept

Evaluating Evidence Relevance and Sufficiency

Evaluating Evidence Relevance and Sufficiency

Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept

Common Mistakes