LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Logical ReasoningMedium
A medical researcher states: 'Our new drug, 'NeuroBoost,' has been shown to significantly improve memory function in elderly patients. In our trial, 70% of patients receiving NeuroBoost reported noticeable improvements, while only 30% of patients receiving a placebo reported similar improvements.'
- AMemory function can be influenced by various factors, including diet and exercise.
- BThe patients were told whether they were receiving NeuroBoost or the placebo.
- CThe study did not measure the *degree* of memory improvement, only whether it was noticeable.
- DThe placebo group consisted of patients who were generally healthier than those in the NeuroBoost group.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The patients were told whether they were receiving NeuroBoost or the placebo.
The conclusion relies on comparing patient-reported improvements between the drug and placebo groups. If patients knew which treatment they were receiving (Option A), their expectations could have influenced their reported improvements, creating a 'belief effect' (similar to the placebo effect, but for the actual drug group) that biases the results and undermines the reliability of the comparison.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While true, this is a general statement about memory and doesn't point to a specific flaw in *this* study's comparison of drug vs. placebo.
- C. This points to a limitation in the *measurement* but doesn't invalidate the comparison of *reported noticeable improvements* between the two groups, assuming the study was otherwise sound.
- D. This would likely *strengthen* the case for NeuroBoost, as it would mean NeuroBoost patients (who were less healthy) still reported more improvement.
Lack of Blinding (Experimental Flaw)
A flaw in experimental design where participants or researchers (or both) are aware of which treatment is being administered, potentially leading to biased results due to expectations.
- Can result in a 'belief effect' or 'observer bias'.
- Double-blinding (neither participant nor researcher knows) is preferred.
- Undermines the validity of comparisons between treatment and control groups.
Memory trick: Experiments need care, or conclusions beware!