Despite the generalizations about human behavior they have produced, many studies of behavioral psychology have used highly unrepresentative subject pools students at the colleges and universities where the researchers are employed. ______To this situation, it is necessary to actively recruit subjects from diverse backgrounds and locations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A) sanction
B) ameliorate
C) rationalize
D) postulate
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) ameliorate.
Explanation:
The sentence discusses a problem with the generalization of findings from behavioral psychology, specifically the unrepresentative subject pools used in studies. It then provides a solution to address this issue. The word required to complete the sentence should indicate a way to improve or reduce the negative effects of using unrepresentative subject pools.
- Sanction: This word generally refers to approval or punishment, which does not fit in the context of solving a problem. It doesn’t logically relate to the idea of improving the representativeness of subject pools.
- Ameliorate: This word means to make something better or to improve a situation. It perfectly fits the context as it suggests that the solution to the problem of unrepresentative subject pools is to improve the diversity of the subject pool.
- Rationalize: This word means to justify or make something seem reasonable, often in a way that does not address the root issue. While it could theoretically work in some contexts, it does not imply improving the situation, but rather explaining or justifying it, which doesn’t match the purpose of the sentence.
- Postulate: This word means to assume or suggest something as a basis for reasoning or theory. While postulating could be part of an explanation, it doesn’t imply any action to fix the problem. The sentence requires a word that suggests a way to actively address the issue.
Thus, ameliorate is the best choice as it indicates taking steps to improve the situation by diversifying the subject pool.