Most television viewers estimate how frequently a particular type of a...
(A) The time that television news reporters spend researching news stories is directly related to the number of viewers who will be affected by events like those in the news stories. There is no direct relationship mentioned between the time spent by television news reporters researching news stories and the number of viewers affected by those events. The argument focuses on the coverage of stories based on visual drama, not the research efforts of news reporters. Therefore, this conclusion cannot be properly drawn from the given information.
(B) It is easier for crimes such as bookkeeping fraud to go unprosecuted than it is for crimes such as arson. The argument does not provide any information or comparison about the ease of prosecution for different types of crimes. It solely discusses the coverage of stories based on visual drama. Therefore, this conclusion cannot be properly drawn from the given information.
(C) The number of fires and motor vehicle accidents greatly increases after each television news show that includes dramatic pictures of a fire or motor vehicle accident. The argument does not mention any causal relationship between the coverage of dramatic visuals and the subsequent increase in the number of fires and motor vehicle accidents. It focuses on the reporting preferences of television news shows rather than the actual occurrence of these events. Therefore, this conclusion cannot be properly drawn from the given information.
(D) Viewers of television news shows tend to overestimate the number of fires and motor vehicle accidents that occur relative to the number of crimes of bookkeeping fraud. This conclusion can be properly drawn from the information provided. The argument states that television viewers estimate the frequency of accidents or crimes based on their coverage on television news shows. Since the shows report more on visually dramatic stories like fires and motor vehicle accidents, viewers are likely to overestimate the occurrence of these events compared to less visually dramatic crimes like bookkeeping fraud. Therefore, this conclusion is supported by the given information.
(E) The usual selection of news stories for television news shows is determined by the number of news reporters available for assignment. The argument does not provide any information about the selection of news stories being determined by the number of news reporters available for assignment. It focuses on the preference for visually dramatic stories rather than the logistical factors influencing story selection. Therefore, this conclusion cannot be properly drawn from the given information.
Based on the analysis, the conclusion that can be properly drawn from the given information is (D): Viewers of television news shows tend to overestimate the number of fires and motor vehicle accidents that occur relative to the number of crimes of bookkeeping fraud.