8. Select the two answer choices that complete the sentence with the same meaning: Researchers comparing subjects' ability to interpret facial expressions found that some expressions were difficult because they were so _____ to the person making the expression.
Answer: C
Certain facial expressions were difficult because they were so idiosyncratic to the person making the expression.
Some expressions were difficult for researchers to interpret because they were unique or peculiar to the individual exhibiting them, hence the term "idiosyncratic."
A) habitual for
This option suggests that the expressions are common or routine for the individual; however, this does not convey the uniqueness or peculiarity implied in the context of the question. Therefore, it does not align with the meaning required to complete the sentence.
B) customary for
While "customary" implies that the expressions are typical or conventional for the person, it lacks the specific connotation of individuality found in "idiosyncratic." Thus, it does not accurately reflect the intended meaning in the context of the research findings.
C) idiosyncratic to
This choice is correct as it indicates that the expressions are distinctive or unique to the individual, making them difficult for others to interpret. It captures the essence of how personal variations in expression can hinder understanding, aligning perfectly with the context of the research.
D) opaque to
The term "opaque" implies that the expressions are unclear or difficult to understand, but it does not specifically address the personal uniqueness of the expressions. Thus, it fails to convey the same meaning as "idiosyncratic" in the context of the sentence.
E) inoffensive to
This option does not relate to the ability to interpret facial expressions at all. It suggests that the expressions do not cause offense, which is unrelated to the difficulty in interpretation discussed in the question.
Conclusion
The option "C) idiosyncratic to" is definitively correct as it conveys the unique nature of expressions that can hinder their interpretation. The other options either do not reflect the necessary uniqueness or are unrelated to the context of interpreting facial expressions, thus failing to complete the sentence with the same meaning effectively.