In a weight-reduction experiment, an overweight individual was given what the researcher called a new type of diet pill that would help curb the desire to eat. In fact, the pill really contained powdered milk, but ever since the individual started taking the diet pill, he has reported that his desire to eat has decreased. This illustrates the
A)curvilinear relationship.
B)effect of extraneous variables.
C)natural experiment.
D)placebo effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The placebo effect occurs when a person experiences a physiological or psychological improvement after taking a substance with no therapeutic value, simply because they believe it is effective. In this scenario, the individual believes the diet pill (which is actually just powdered milk) will help reduce their desire to eat, and experiences that effect despite the pill having no active weight-reduction ingredients.

In a Weight-Reduction Experiment, an Overweight Individual Was Given What