Answer to Question 1
1) Researchers do not always agree on how to define the term spirituality, and many use the term interchangeably with religiosity. This leads to confusion and inaccuracies when interpreting research on spirituality.
2) Researchers are confronted with issues related to the placebo effect. The term placebo describes the positive effects that are created when a person merely believes he or she will benefit from an intervention. This makes it difficult to determine whether the spiritual practice (e.g. prayer) or merely the belief in the spiritual practice creates real benefits for people.
3) Researchers must also consider the effects of alternative variables that may influence study results. For instance, do the health benefits that derive from being religious come from the intervention of a higher power, or are the benefits related to variables such as social support or healthier lifestyle choices that many religions teach?
Answer to Question 2
C
Stem cell research may cure diabetes, but lacks funding
Research Methods
An example of a selection list used to identify symptoms.
Nutrition-related research findings are often lead stories in newspapers, magazines, and on websites
Scientists do research in the laboratory and in the field
Research Methods