In an experiment involving taste, researchers had participants try two versions of a cola, one regular and another, called “cola extra,” to which a secret ingredient had been added. The researchers found that, when the tasters did not know that the secret ingredient was white vinegar, they preferred “cola extra” by a margin of almost two to one. However, when tasters were told the identity of the secret ingredient before drinking, they preferred the cola without vinegar 98% of the time.

Which of the following, if true, forms the best basis for an explanation of this outcome?

A) Most consumers are excited by the possibility of tasting a “secret ingredient” and will always prefer that choice.

B)For most consumers, expectation strongly influences the ability to accurately distinguish flavors.

C)Most cola drinkers prefer beverages without vinegar, even when they do not know vinegar is present

D)Researchers skewed results by telling participants in the second group what the secret ingredient was.

E)The first group of taste testers was disproportionately composed of people who enjoy the taste of vinegar.