PrepTest 62, Section 3, Question 11
Scientist: To study the comparative effectiveness of two experimental medications for athlete�s foot, a representative sample of people with athlete�s foot were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received only medication M, and the other received only medication N. The only people whose athlete�s foot was cured had been given medication M.
Scientist: To study the comparative effectiveness of two experimental medications for athlete�s foot, a representative sample of people with athlete�s foot were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received only medication M, and the other received only medication N. The only people whose athlete�s foot was cured had been given medication M.
Reporter: This means, then, that if anyone in the study had athlete�s foot that was not cured, that person did not receive medication M.
Scientist: To study the comparative effectiveness of two experimental medications for athlete�s foot, a representative sample of people with athlete�s foot were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received only medication M, and the other received only medication N. The only people whose athlete�s foot was cured had been given medication M.
Reporter: This means, then, that if anyone in the study had athlete�s foot that was not cured, that person did not receive medication M.
Scientist: To study the comparative effectiveness of two experimental medications for athlete�s foot, a representative sample of people with athlete�s foot were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received only medication M, and the other received only medication N. The only people whose athlete�s foot was cured had been given medication M.
Which one of the following most accurately describes the reporter�s error in reasoning?
The reporter concludes from evidence showing only that M can cure athlete�s foot that M always cures athlete�s foot.
The reporter illicitly draws a conclusion about the population as a whole on the basis of a study conducted only on a sample of the population.
The reporter presumes, without providing justification, that medications M and N are available to people who have athlete�s foot but did not participate in the study.
The reporter fails to allow for the possibility that athlete�s foot may be cured even if neither of the two medications studied is taken.
The reporter presumes, without providing justification, that there is no sizeable subgroup of people whose athlete�s foot will be cured only if they do not take medication M.
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