What Is a "Placebo" in Experimental Research

question 47

Multiple Choice

What is a "placebo" in experimental research?

• A) When an experimenter deceives subjects about the experiment's true nature, then later tells them what it is really about
• B) When subjects in a control group are treated the same as the subjects receiving the treatment
• C) When subjects in the control group receive a false or empty treatment so they do not adjust their behaviour to confirm the experimenter's hypothesis
• D) When neither the subjects nor an assistant helping the experimenter know specifics about the treatment or how hypothesis is being tested
• E) When an event outside the experiment's control occurs during the experiment and affects the dependent variable

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Definitions:

Hypothyroidism

A condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, resulting in a shortage of thyroid hormones which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

Androgens

A group of hormones that play a role in male traits and reproductive activity; present in both men and women.

Mineralocorticoids

A class of steroids produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate electrolyte and water balance, with aldosterone being the most prominent.

Androgens

Hormones that play a key role in the development of male traits and reproductive activity; examples include testosterone and androstenedione.