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Difficulty: MediumWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

In the early twentieth century, mainstream economists assumed that consumer demand was driven entirely by rational, independent calculations. However, contemporary research suggests that consumer choices are frequently _______, showing that individuals are heavily influenced by the purchasing habits of their peers.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

  1. A
    premeditated
  2. B
    autonomous
  3. contingentAnswer
  4. D
    categorical

Answer

contingent
The correct answer is the word meaning dependent on or conditioned by something else. The passage contrasts the early assumption of 'independent' calculations with the finding that choices are 'heavily influenced' by others. Therefore, consumer choices are dependent on (contingent upon) the actions of peers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues and transition words in the passage.
The word 'However' signals a contrast with the older view that consumer choices are 'independent.' The phrase 'showing that individuals are heavily influenced by the purchasing habits of their peers' indicates that consumer choices depend on external factors.
Identifying the relationship between the ideas in the passage helps determine the meaning of the missing word.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the word that best describes choices that depend on external social factors.
The word 'contingent' means dependent on or conditioned by something else, which perfectly matches the idea of choices being influenced by peers. The other options contradict this meaning or are irrelevant to the contrast.
Selecting the option that matches the contextual meaning established by the clues.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual meaning of words using contrast and explanation clues.
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Topics

Words in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

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