The answer is: "forty" .
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(The number: "40" .).
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Answer:
to decrease bias
Explanation:
The experimental procedure stated in the question is a blinded placebo test. This procedure seeks to reduce the bias in the experiment due to the "placebo effect."
The placebo effect is the effect whereby patients treated with a placebo (a dummy treatment) claim to be responding better to treatment methods.
The story is an allegory of the entire revolutionary experience. Another theme that runs through Rip Van Winkle is laziness. Rip's laziness is eventually punished. His punishment was to remain asleep for 20 years.