TEAS Reading · Practice Question

    Source Reliability and Evidence: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

    An original TEAS 7-style reading practice question, written for nursing-school applicants — with a full breakdown of every answer choice.

    Question

    An antique almanac features a local farmer who has predicted the arrival of the first frost every year for three decades. Which of the following sources would be most effective in evaluating the accuracy of the farmer’s long-term predictions?

    • A.A graph comparing daily high temperatures with local snowfall totals.
    • B.An almanac recording the dates of the Vernal Equinox over the last fifty years.
    • C.A statistical database of historical weather conditions corresponding to the farmer’s annual forecasts.
      Correct
    • D.A biography of the farmer highlighting his agricultural achievements and reputation.

    Correct answer: C. To evaluate any prediction's reliability, you must compare the predicted results against a database of actual historical outcomes.

    To determine the reliability or accuracy of a prediction, a researcher must compare the projected outcome against the actual recorded data from the same time period. On the TEAS exam, these types of reading questions test your ability to identify relevant evidence and evaluate source credibility.

    Why the Correct Answer is Right

    Option C is the strongest choice because it provides a direct comparison. To determine if the farmer was "right," you need two sets of data:

    1. The historical predictions (the farmer's "forecasts").
    2. The actual outcomes (the "historical weather conditions"). A statistical database that aligns these two variables allows for a mathematical analysis of how often the farmer was correct versus how often he was wrong.

    Analysis of Incorrect Answers

    • Option A: While a graph of high temperatures and snowfall provides weather data, it does not relate back to the farmer’s specific prediction (the first frost). Without the "prediction" side of the data, you cannot determine accuracy.
    • Option B: An almanac recording the dates of the Equinox merely tracks astronomical events. The Equinox occurs at the same time regardless of weather patterns; it does not provide information about when the frost actually occurred or what the farmer predicted.
    • Option D: A biography focuses on the person rather than the data. While a reputation for being a great farmer might make someone seem more trustworthy, it is subjective "anecdotal evidence." To determine scientific reliability, objective data is required.

    TEAS Concept: Evaluating Sources

    In the Reading section of the TEAS, you are often asked to select the "best" source for a specific task. To master these questions:

    • Identify the Goal: Are you looking for a person's life story (biography), a definition (dictionary), a broad overview (encyclopedia), or specific data (database/log)?
    • Match the Data Points: Accuracy requires a "Key" (the prediction) and an "Answer Sheet" (the result). Look for sources that provide both.

    Nursing School Application

    As a nurse, you will use this skill when practicing Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). You will need to distinguish between "clinical intuition" (like the farmer's prediction) and "validated clinical data" (the statistical database) to provide the best care for your patients.

    Quick study tip: Always look for the source that offers a 'side-by-side' comparison between the claim being made and the actual factual outcome.

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