Question

In recent report, the gross enrollment ratios at the primary level, that is the number of children enrolled in class I – V, as a proportion of all children aged 6-10 years, were shown to be very high for most states, in many cases>100%. These figures are not worth anything, since they are based on official enrolment rates compiled from school records. They might as well stand for gross exaggeration ratios.
Which of the following support the exaggeration above?

• A. The definition of gross enrollment ratio does not exclude, in its numerator, children below 6 years or above 10 years enrolled in classes one to five.
• B. A school attendance study found that many children enrolled in the school records were not meeting a minimum attendance requirement of 80 percent.
• C. A study estimated that close to 22 percent of children enrolled in the class one records were below 6 years of age and still to start going to school.
• D. Demographic surveys show shifts in the population profile which indicate that the number of children in the age group 6 to 10 years is declining.

Hint:

When evaluating statistics-based claims, check for definitional issues that can inflate or deflate ratios.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The exaggeration occurs because the numerator (children enrolled) includes children outside the intended 6–10 age range, inflating the ratio. Option (1) directly addresses this definition flaw, making it the best support for the claim.