A Placebo Effect Makes It Difficult to Draw Cause and Effect

question 51

Multiple Choice

A placebo effect makes it difficult to draw cause and effect conclusions because we cannot tell whether

• A) the variables were operationally defined.
• B) random sampling or random assignment is appropriate for the study.
• C) it is the independent variable or the dependent variable that are responsible for the results.
• D) it is the treatment or the participant's expectations that are responsible for the results.
• E) it is the treatment or the researcher's behaviors that are responsible for the results.

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Definitions:

Expectancy Theory

A motivation theory suggesting that individuals are motivated to perform based on the expected outcome and the value of that outcome to them.

Motivated

Describes being driven or encouraged to act towards achieving a goal or fulfilling a need or desire.