14. Select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning as a whole and produce completed sentences alike in meaning: Established scientists recognize that peer review of manuscripts submitted to scientific journals is critical to science, but this recognition _____ a certain ambivalence in them, since reviewing takes time away from their research.
Answer: C
Established scientists recognize that peer review of manuscripts submitted to scientific journals is critical to science, but this recognition engenders a certain ambivalence in them, since reviewing takes time away from their research.
The term "engenders" fits perfectly in the context, indicating that the recognition of the importance of peer review creates or produces ambivalence among established scientists due to the time commitment required.
A) obviates
The term "obviates" means to remove or prevent a difficulty. In this context, it would imply that recognition of peer review eliminates ambivalence, which contradicts the intended meaning of the sentence that suggests the existence of ambivalence rather than its absence.
B) mitigates
"Mitigates" refers to making something less severe or serious. If this term were used, it would imply that the recognition lessens the ambivalence, which is not aligned with the context that suggests there is existing ambivalence due to the trade-off of time.
C) engenders
"Engenders" means to cause or give rise to something. This choice accurately reflects the idea that the recognition of the necessity of peer review creates ambivalence among scientists, as they are torn between the importance of the process and the time it consumes from their research.
D) induces
"Induces" implies causing something to happen, but it carries a connotation of forcefulness or coercion. In this context, it does not fully capture the nuanced relationship between recognition and ambivalence, making it a less suitable choice compared to "engenders."
E) exacerbates
"Exacerbates" means to make a problem worse. Using this term would suggest that recognition intensifies ambivalence, which is not the primary meaning intended in the sentence. It misses the focus on the creation of ambivalence rather than merely worsening it.
Conclusion
The correct answer is "engenders" as it accurately conveys that the recognition of the importance of peer review generates a sense of ambivalence among scientists. All other options fail to capture this nuanced relationship, either implying a reduction of ambivalence or misrepresenting the nature of the recognition's impact.