Phil Is a Participant in a Study Designed to Examine

question 18

Multiple Choice

Phil is a participant in a study designed to examine the effects of taking a dietary supplement on muscle tissue development.Phil suspects he is in the experimental group,because he is certain his muscles are bigger and stronger as a result of taking the product supplied by the researchers.When the study is completed,Phil learns that he did not receive the dietary supplement.Phil thinks the researchers made a mistake-he is certain his muscle mass increased while he took the supplement.According to this information,Phil's belief that his physical condition improved while he participated in the study is an example of ________.

• A)an anecdotal report
• B)participant fatigue
• C)human subject bias
• D)the placebo effect

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Definitions:

Case History

A detailed account of a person's life and psychological problems, used for analysis or study.

Correlational Study

A research method that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.

Demand Characteristics

Subtle cues or signals in an experimental setting that communicate to the participants how they are expected to behave.

Illusory Correlations

The perception of a relationship between two variables even when no such relationship exists.