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Answer: BSet 4: Inferences (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The double-blind clinical trial—where neither patients nor doctors know who receives treatment—is considered the gold standard for establishing medical efficacy. Critics note, however, that many successful treatments have obvious side effects that 'unblind' the study, potentially introducing placebo effects that inflate measured benefits.
What limitation of experimental methodology does the passage identify?
A. Double-blind trials are never used in medicine.
B. Practical features of interventions can compromise the controlled conditions that define rigorous study design.✓ Correct
C. Side effects never reveal which group receives treatment.
D. Placebo effects cannot affect trial outcomes.
Detailed Explanation
Obvious side effects 'unblind' the study = practical features compromise control.
Key Evidence:
• "obvious side effects that 'unblind' the study"
Why others are wrong: A (They are the 'gold standard.'), C (Side effects do unblind.), D (Placebo effects 'inflate measured benefits.').