Final answer:
When testing automated IT controls, auditors are least likely to increase sample size due to the reliability of such controls, making it unnecessary. Instead, they focus on examining the software, testing few transactions, and overall systems controls.
Step-by-step explanation:
When testing automated IT controls, the auditor is least likely to increase sample size because the tolerable deviation rate tends to be higher for automated IT controls. This statement is not accurate because automated IT controls are designed to be consistent and reliable, meaning that a large sample size is generally not necessary to gain assurance that the controls are working properly. Automated controls are less prone to error compared to manual controls, hence experimental controls reduce the number of measurements needed, not increase them. It contrasts with traditional manual control testing where a larger sample size might be required due to the higher possibility of human error.
The auditor will most likely examine the IT software, test one or a few of each type of transaction to verify consistent performance, and test general controls over system and program changes. These activities ensure that the IT controls are properly designed and functioning as expected to prevent or detect errors in the data processing environment. In this context, option 2 of increasing sample size because the tolerable deviation rate tends to be higher for automated IT controls is the most likely activity that the auditor would not engage in.