Question 1 • Statistical Modeling - Content Recovery - Part B
A study is testing the effectiveness of a new allergy medication. Sixty volunteers who reported they experience allergies were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one with the new medication, and another with a placebo. After two weeks, the subjects’ level of allergic symptoms was surveyed.
Answer
A
The placebo is given to one group of subjects to see if the subjects receiving the placebo experience fewer allergic symptoms than the subjects taking the new medication.
B
The placebo is given to one group of subjects to see if the subjects receiving the placebo experience more allergic symptoms than the subjects taking the new medication.
C
The placebo is given to one group of subjects to see if the subjects receiving the placebo think they have fewer allergic symptoms because they believe they are taking the new medication.
D
The placebo is given to one group of subjects to see if the subjects receiving the new medication think they have fewer allergic symptoms because they believe they are taking the new medication.
Explanation
A placebo is an inactive treatment that helps researchers account for the effect of believing one is receiving medication. Here, the placebo group lets researchers check whether participants report fewer symptoms simply because they think they are taking the new medication. That is the purpose described in choice C.
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