The Purpose of Using a Placebo Control Group in an Experiment

question 12

Multiple Choice

The purpose of using a placebo control group in an experiment is often to:

• A) measure the effects of the dependent variable.
• B) dupe the subject into accepting the experiment's results.
• C) control for expectancy effects.
• D) persuade other researchers that the experiment is valid.

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Definitions:

Drugs

Substances that are used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or to promote well-being.

EEG Pattern

The recording of electrical activity in the brain, analyzed in patterns to diagnose conditions or to understand neurological function.

Sleep Pattern

The habitual arrangement of the cycles of sleep and wakefulness over a 24-hour period.

Substance Dependence

Diagnosis given in the DSM-IV when a person’s substance use leads to physiological dependence or significant impairment or distress, as manifested by an inability to use the substance in moderation; a decline in social, occupational, or recreational activities; or the spending of large amounts of time obtaining substances or recovering from their effects.