GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningMedium
Studies on the effect of caffeine on cognitive performance have yielded ______ results; some research indicates a clear improvement in alertness and focus, while other studies report no significant effect or even a slight impairment in certain complex tasks. Which word, if inserted into the blank, best fits the meaning of the sentence?
- Adefinitive
- Bunanimous
- Cconsistent
- Dequivocal
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. equivocal
The sentence describes conflicting findings: 'clear improvement' versus 'no significant effect or even a slight impairment.' This indicates that the results are not clear or consistent. 'Equivocal' means open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous, which perfectly describes such contradictory findings. 'Unanimous,' 'consistent,' and 'definitive' all suggest agreement or clarity, which is the opposite of what the sentence describes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Definitive' suggests conclusive and unquestionable results, which is the opposite of what the sentence describes.
- B. 'Unanimous' means in complete agreement, which contradicts the 'some...while other' structure.
- C. 'Consistent' implies uniformity, which is disproven by the differing study outcomes.
Contradictory Evidence
Situations where different pieces of information or research findings present conflicting or opposing conclusions, making a clear interpretation difficult.
- Often signaled by contrast words like 'however,' 'while,' 'but.'
- Implies a lack of consensus or definitive answers.
- Requires words that convey ambiguity, inconsistency, or mixed results.
Memory trick: When evidence conflicts, the answer reflects the ambiguity it inflicts.