Question

Many people avoid swimming in the ocean because they are frightened by the prospect of shark attacks, but in fact, shark attacks in the USA are rare. This kind of statistic--which records how frequent a behavior or event is in the general population--is known as____.

Answer 1

Answer: Base rate

Explanation: Base rate is the rate that determines about the basic or minimum rate that is set for certain population having particular features and it is supposed that nothing is known about the individual apart from the knowing that he/she belongs to the population.

The situation mentioned in the question describes about the base rate situation because even though the rate of shark attacks are low in USA ,a base rate is present for the minimum population facing the shark attacks. Knowing this situation, people avoid swimming activity .