5
Answer: BSet 3: Inferences (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The placebo effect—whereby patients improve after receiving fake treatments they believe are real—has long been considered a nuisance variable in drug trials. Recently, however, some researchers have begun studying the placebo response itself, investigating how belief and expectation can trigger genuine physiological changes.
What shift in perspective does the passage describe?
A. Researchers now consider placebos completely useless.
B. The placebo effect is being reconsidered as a phenomenon worthy of study rather than just noise.✓ Correct
C. Drug trials no longer use placebo controls.
D. Patients never respond to placebo treatments.
Detailed Explanation
Previously a 'nuisance,' now 'studying the response itself'—shift from noise to subject of research.
Key Evidence:
• "nuisance variable"
• "studying the placebo response itself"
Why others are wrong: A (Now it's being studied, not dismissed.), C (Drug trials still mentioned.), D ('Patients improve' = they do respond.).