An Outcome Study Includes Three Groups of Depressed Clients

question 49

Multiple Choice

An outcome study includes three groups of depressed clients. Group I receives an SSRI along with cognitive therapy. Group II receives only an SSRI. Finally, Group III receives a placebo. All groups complete a paper-and-pencil inventory of depressive symptoms both at the outset of the study and at its conclusion. Depressive symptoms are reduced among all three groups. However, the reduction is greater for Group I than for Group II, and for Group II as compared to Group III. Which of the following conclusions is INCORRECT

• A)The difference between Groups I and II reflects a nonspecific treatment effect.
• B)The contribution of natural improvement to the present results remains unknown.
• C)Cognitive therapy is mainly responsible for the fact that the improvement in Group I was greater than that in Group II.
• D)Placebo effects may be partly responsible for Group I's improvement.

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Definitions:

Age of Majority

The legal age at which an individual is recognized as an adult and can engage in activities such as voting and signing contracts.

Illegal Subject

Refers to a topic or matter that is prohibited by law and cannot legally be the subject of a contract or agreement.

Voidable Contract

A contract that may be legally declared invalid by one party due to factors such as fraud or lack of capacity to consent.

Social Status

The position or rank of a person or group within the social hierarchy, determined by various factors including occupation, education, wealth, and heritage.