A educational psychology researcher examined assertions that technology-enhanced learning environments produce superior academic results relative to c...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
A educational psychology researcher examined assertions that technology-enhanced learning environments produce superior academic results relative to conventional instructional approaches. The researcher deployed an innovative adaptive educational software system across multiple high school algebra courses throughout a single academic term. Upon completion of the term, participating students provided evaluative feedback through structured questionnaires regarding their educational experience. Drawing from these questionnaire results, the researcher determines that technology-enhanced learning environments substantially boost both student participation and information retention.
Which choice most effectively supports the researcher's determination?
"The mathematical exercises in the software program were more demanding than our standard textbook problems."
"I discovered myself engaging more actively in classroom dialogue and I retain the material much more effectively now."
"Our instructor assisted us with software troubleshooting when we encountered technical issues during the initial weeks."
"The software system reminded me of learning games I previously used, which created a sense of comfort."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "A educational psychology researcher examined assertions that technology-enhanced learning environments produce superior academic results relative to conventional instructional approaches." |
|
| "The researcher deployed an innovative adaptive educational software system across multiple high school algebra courses throughout a single academic term." |
|
| "Upon completion of the term, participating students provided evaluative feedback through structured questionnaires regarding their educational experience." |
|
| "Drawing from these questionnaire results, the researcher determines that technology-enhanced learning environments substantially boost both student participation and information retention." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A researcher concluded from student questionnaires that technology-enhanced learning environments significantly improve both student participation and information retention.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The researcher's determination has two specific parts: that technology-enhanced learning environments boost (1) student participation and (2) information retention.
- So the correct answer must provide evidence for both of these claims.
- We need a student response that shows they experienced increased participation (more engagement, active involvement) and better retention (remembering information more effectively).
- The response should be direct and clear about both improvements.
"The mathematical exercises in the software program were more demanding than our standard textbook problems."
✗ Incorrect
- This talks about exercise difficulty, not participation or retention.
- While challenging problems might be beneficial, this doesn't provide evidence for the researcher's specific claims.
"I discovered myself engaging more actively in classroom dialogue and I retain the material much more effectively now."
✓ Correct
- Directly addresses both parts of the researcher's determination.
- "Engaging more actively in classroom dialogue" = increased participation.
- "Retain the material much more effectively now" = improved information retention.
- This quote perfectly matches what the researcher concluded from the questionnaires.
"Our instructor assisted us with software troubleshooting when we encountered technical issues during the initial weeks."
✗ Incorrect
- This focuses on technical problems and instructor help, not student outcomes.
- Doesn't provide evidence for increased participation or retention.
"The software system reminded me of learning games I previously used, which created a sense of comfort."
✗ Incorrect
- This mentions comfort and familiarity, not participation or retention.
- While comfort might be positive, it doesn't support the researcher's specific claims about engagement and memory.