Set 4: Words in Context (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

The scientist's method was ______, involving a painstaking analysis of thousands of samples to ensure statistical significance.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. cursory

B. rigorous✓ Correct

C. haphazard

D. hypothetical

Detailed Explanation

Painstaking analysis to ensure significance is thorough. 'Rigorous' means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.

Key Evidence:

• "painstaking analysis"

• "thousands of samples"

Why others are wrong: A (Cursory means hasty/not thorough.), C (Haphazard means random.), D (Hypothetical refers to theory.).