Meaning: 'Strain' means to put pressure on something, in this case, the ability to control attention, suggesting that high anxiety makes it harder to focus.

Wrong options:

• refine: Refine means to improve or make more precise, which does not fit the context of anxiety negatively impacting attention.
• demure: Demure is an adjective describing a reserved or modest demeanor, which does not apply as a verb in this context.
• recite: Recite means to repeat aloud from memory, which is unrelated to the effect of anxiety on attention control.

Correct answer: demonstrated

Explanation: The word 'demonstrated' is the correct choice as it is a verb that indicates showing or proving something through actions, fitting well with the context of measuring anxiety levels through behavioral tests. It maintains the past tense consistency of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Demonstrated' means to show or prove something clearly, in this case, showing anxiety through behavior.

Wrong options:

• fulminated: Fulminated means to explode with a loud noise or to express vehement protest, which does not fit the context of measuring anxiety.
• remonstrated: Remonstrated means to make a forcefully reproachful protest, which is not relevant to the context of showing anxiety levels.
• experimented: Experimented means to conduct a scientific test, which does not align with the context of self-reporting or showing anxiety.

Correct answer: overwriting

Explanation: The word 'overwriting' fits grammatically as it is a gerund that describes the action of replacing old information with new, which is relevant to the context of updating attention control. It aligns with the structure of the sentence discussing components of attention control.

Meaning: 'Overwriting' means to replace or eliminate old information with new information, indicating a process of updating one's attention.

Wrong options:

• overfertilizing: Overfertilizing refers to applying too much fertilizer, which is unrelated to the context of attention control.
• overcontrolling: Overcontrolling means to exert excessive control, which does not fit the context of updating information in attention control.
• overevaluating: Overevaluating means to assess something too highly, which does not align with the action of updating information.

Correct answer: deficits

Explanation: The word 'deficits' is appropriate as it refers to a lack or deficiency in attention control, which aligns with the context of the sentence discussing the impact of anxiety. It fits grammatically as a noun that matches the plural subject of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Deficits' means shortcomings or deficiencies, indicating that highly anxious groups struggle with attention control.

Wrong options:

• splits: Splits refers to divisions or separations, which does not convey the idea of a lack in attention control.
• elicits: Elicits means to draw out a response or reaction, which does not fit the context of measuring attention control deficiencies.
• solicits: Solicits means to request or seek something, which is not relevant to the context of attention control issues.