If counties are classified by population, population density, and geographic location, how many criteria are used?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how classification uses multiple criteria to group items. In this case, counties are classified by three distinct factors: population, population density, and geographic location. Each factor offers a different way to differentiate counties—how many people live there, how concentrated those people are, and where the county sits geographically. Because these are three separate criteria, the total count of criteria used is three. If only one factor were used, counties would be grouped by a single dimension; if two factors were used, one dimension would still be missing; if four factors were used, that would add another dimension beyond what’s listed.