A vocabulary question tests whether you can use context to find a missing word's precise meaning. Read the whole text and find what explains the blank, paying attention to phrases that give a reason. A cause tells you why something happens, so ask what result that cause would produce. Then predict in plain words and compare each choice's meaning with your prediction. A word's connection to the topic isn't enough; the clue must support its exact meaning.
Hints
- Hint 1
Read the phrase beginning with by fostering. It gives the reason for the possible change in human judgment.
- Hint 2
What does overreliance add to the meaning of relying on something? Use that clue to predict the effect on human judgment.
Step-by-step
Follow the cause and predict the effect
Step 1Find the warning's direction
Dr. Liao cautioned about a possible effect on human judgment, so the missing verb has to fit her warning. How does while promising unprecedented efficiency shape that warning? While sets AI's benefit against a possible cost, so the blank describes the concern about human judgment, rather than the promised efficiency.
- Step 2
Turn the cause into a prediction
Look next at by fostering an overreliance on algorithmic recommendations, which gives the cause of the possible harm. What would that cause do to people's own judgment? Overreliance means depending too much on something, so people could follow the algorithm's recommendation instead of deciding for themselves. Let's predict take the place of, because the concern is about AI doing work that human judgment would otherwise do.
- Step 3
Test the other words' meanings
Do galvanize, consolidate, or exonerate describe that shift in who does the deciding? Galvanize means push someone or something to act, which would make judgment more active instead of replacing it. Consolidate means strengthen or bring together, so it would build up human judgment. Exonerate means clear from blame, but the warning isn't about blame; it names an overreliance on algorithmic recommendations.
- Step 4
Check the word for replacement
Supplant means to replace or take the place of. In could ______ human judgment, it describes AI possibly taking over the role of people's own judgment, which depending too much on its recommendations could cause. Choice D.