What is a sound method for evaluating numerical data presented on a webpage?

• A. Take the numbers at face value if the page is well designed.
• B. Trust the numbers if they come from a sponsor's page.
• C. Compare the data with primary sources and check the date and sample size.
• D. Dismiss the data if there are no graphs.

Answer: (C)

When evaluating numerical data on a webpage, the key step is to verify the numbers against primary sources and check the date and sample size. This approach helps you confirm where the data come from, whether the information is up to date, and whether the sample is large enough to be reliable. By comparing to primary sources, you can see the original methods and definitions behind the figures, and the date plus sample size reveals if the data are current and representative. Relying solely on how a page looks or on sponsorship can mislead, and the absence of graphs doesn’t automatically invalidate data—the real test is the quality and transparency of the source and the context behind the numbers.