Set 3: Inferences (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: C

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. Drug trials no longer use placebo controls.

B. Patients never respond to placebo treatments.

C. The placebo effect is being reconsidered as a phenomenon worthy of study rather than just noise.✓ Correct

D. Researchers now consider placebos completely useless.

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Previously a 'nuisance,' now 'studying the response itself'—shift from noise to subject of research. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.

Key Evidence:

• "nuisance variable"

• "studying the placebo response itself"

Why others are wrong: A (Drug trials still mentioned.), B ('Patients improve' = they do respond.), D (Now it's being studied, not dismissed.).

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