1.11–1.14: Well-designed experiments are essential to testing hypotheses.

To draw clear conclusions from experiments, variables not of interest should be held constant, outcomes must be repeatable, and biases should be minimized.

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Question 1.23

The placebo effect:

  • a) is the frequently observed phenomenon that people tend to respond favorably to any treatment.
  • b) reveals that sugar pills are more effective than actual medications.
  • c) reveals that experimental treatments cannot be proven effective.
  • d) demonstrates that most scientific studies cannot be replicated.
  • e) is an urban legend.

Question 1.24

Which of the following correctly describes a double-blind test?

  • a) The researchers apply two-layered blindfolds to prevent the subjects from seeing the treatment drug.
  • b) Neither the researchers nor the study participants know who is receiving the drug and who is receiving the placebo.
  • c) The researchers know who is receiving the drug and who is receiving the placebo, but they do not know what the supposed effects of the drug should be.
  • d) The researchers do not know who receives the drug or the placebo, but the participants do.
  • e) None of the above are correct.

Question 1.25

In controlled experiments:

  • a) one variable is manipulated while others are held constant.
  • b) all variables are dependent on each other.
  • c) all variables are held constant.
  • d) all variables are independent of each other.
  • e) all critical variables are manipulated.

Question 1.26

If a researcher uses the same experimental setup as in another study, but with different research subjects, the process is considered:

  • a) an uncontrolled experiment.
  • b) intuitive reasoning.
  • c) extrapolation.
  • d) replication.
  • e) exploration.

Question 1.27

An independent variable:

  • a) can cause a change in a dependent variable.
  • b) is generally less variable than a dependent variable.
  • c) is plotted on the y-axis in a line graph.
  • d) can be controlled less well than a dependent variable.
  • e) is typically more important than a dependent variable.