5

Set 1: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 The Placebo Effect demonstrates the power of the mind over the body. Patients given inert substances often show real physiological improvement simply because they believe they are being treated. Text 2 The existence of the Placebo Effect complicates clinical trials. To prove a new drug works, it must outperform the placebo significantly, meaning the drug's chemical effect must be stronger than the patient's psychological expectation.

Based on the texts, how does the phenomenon in Text 1 function as a hurdle in Text 2?

A. It raises the baseline for efficacy, requiring treatments to exceed the benefits of belief alone.✓ Correct
B. It makes patients sicker.
C. It proves that drugs are unnecessary.
D. It saves money for drug companies.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Body improves on belief (Baseline). Text 2: Must outperform placebo (Hurdle). Function: Raises baseline/Harder to prove efficacy.

Key Evidence:

• "show real ... improvement"

• "complicates clinical trials"

• "must outperform"

Why others are wrong: B (Improvement.), C (Must outperform.), D (Complicates.).

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