As part of a study on joint pain, Bill has received an inert substance to control his pain. Bill has received a _____ and his pain is likely to _____.
A) analgesic; go down
B) mild tranquilizer; go up
C) mild tranquilizer; be unaffected
D) placebo; go down

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bill has received a placebo, which is an inert substance given in the context of a study to control for the effects of actual treatment. The expectation or psychological effects of receiving a treatment can lead to a decrease in pain, even though the placebo has no direct pharmacological effect on pain.

As Part of a Study on Joint Pain, Bill Has