Question #N638

It is commonly believed that the best way to improve the quality of a product is to focus on the process of its creation. However, recent research suggests that focusing on the outcome of a product can also improve its quality. In one study, researchers asked participants to create origami cranes and instructed half of the participants to focus on the process of folding the paper, while instructing the other half to focus on the outcome of creating a beautiful crane. The results showed that the participants who focused on the outcome were more likely to produce a high-quality crane. This finding suggests that focusing on the outcome of a product can lead to higher-quality results, even though the process of creation is often emphasized as being the most important factor in quality improvement.

In this passage, the phrase "even though" most likely indicates that the author believes that
A. focusing on the process of creation is not as important as it is often believed.
B. the process of creation is not the only factor that contributes to quality improvement.
C. the results of a study can be misleading if they are not based on a careful analysis of the process.
D. the outcome of a product can be improved by focusing on the process of its creation.

Correct Answer is: B

The phrase "even though" introduces a contrast between two ideas. The author is acknowledging that the process of creation is often emphasized as being important, but then they argue that focusing on the outcome can also contribute to quality improvement. Therefore, the phrase "even though" indicates that the author believes the process of creation is not the only factor that contributes to quality improvement.