What might suggest racial bias in an appraiser’s use of crime statistics between different demographics?

The option suggesting that inconsistent inclusion of crime stats based on area ethnic makeup indicates racial bias is correct because it highlights a lack of objectivity and fairness in the appraiser's methodology. When an appraiser selectively uses crime statistics based on the ethnic composition of neighborhoods, it may imply that the appraisal is disproportionately influenced by the racial or ethnic characteristics of the area, rather than being based solely on relevant and objective factors such as property condition, market trends, or overall neighborhood appeal.

Inconsistent application can lead to conclusions that are skewed and potentially discriminatory, raising concerns about the fairness of the appraisal process. This can ultimately perpetuate stereotypes and offer a biased perspective that may unjustly affect property values in communities of different racial or ethnic demographics.

Other options do not align with suggesting racial bias as clearly. For example, equal representation of both areas in all reports indicates an unbiased approach, while statistical significance of crime data across demographics focuses more on data integrity than bias. A general disclaimer about race in the appraisal report does not necessarily indicate racial bias; it can be seen as an effort to clarify the appraiser's intentions regarding the use of demographic data. Therefore, recognizing the inconsistency in the use of crime statistics reveals a fundamental issue of potential bias that could influence