A randomized controlled trial represents a scientific research design that utilizes meticulously chosen study populations, uniform protocols, and regu...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
A randomized controlled trial represents a scientific research design that utilizes meticulously chosen study populations, uniform protocols, and regulated parameters to reduce investigational prejudice. _______ many alternative research methodologies similarly emphasize strict selection criteria, protocol uniformity, and parameter regulation, yet the randomized controlled trial stands apart through its implementation of random allocation to prevent potential confounding variables.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
Naturally,
In contrast,
For instance,
Therefore,
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "A randomized controlled trial represents a scientific research design that utilizes meticulously chosen study populations, uniform protocols, and regulated parameters to reduce investigational prejudice." |
|
| "[MISSING TRANSITION]" |
|
| "many alternative research methodologies similarly emphasize strict selection criteria, protocol uniformity, and parameter regulation," |
|
| "yet the randomized controlled trial stands apart through its implementation of random allocation to prevent potential confounding variables." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[RCT DEFINITION] → [MISSING CONNECTOR] → [ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Other methods share similar features]
├── BUT
└── [CONTRAST: RCTs unique due to random allocation]
Main Point: While randomized controlled trials share certain methodological features with other research approaches, they are distinguished by their use of random allocation to prevent confounding variables.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes what makes RCTs valuable as research tools, then acknowledges that other methodologies employ similar rigorous standards, but ultimately argues that random allocation makes RCTs uniquely effective at preventing bias.
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 missing transition needs to connect the definition of RCTs with the acknowledgment that other research methods also have similar characteristics
- The transition should signal that it makes logical sense for other research methodologies to also focus on careful selection, uniform protocols, and parameter regulation - these are generally good research practices
Naturally,
✓ Correct
- "Naturally" indicates that it's logical and expected for other research methodologies to also emphasize these same rigorous standards
- Creates the right relationship by suggesting this acknowledgment flows naturally from understanding what makes RCTs valuable
- Sets up the structure perfectly for the "yet" contrast that follows
In contrast,
✗ Incorrect
- "In contrast" would suggest we're opposing what was just said about RCTs having these features
- The sentence isn't contrasting with RCTs having good features - it's acknowledging other methods also have them
- The actual contrast comes later in the sentence with "yet the randomized controlled trial stands apart"
For instance,
✗ Incorrect
- "For instance" introduces an example, but we're not providing an example of randomized controlled trials
- We're discussing other research methodologies, which are different from RCTs, not examples of them
Therefore,
✗ Incorrect
- "Therefore" signals a conclusion drawn from previous information, but we're not concluding anything from the RCT definition
- We're making an observation about other methodologies, not drawing a logical consequence about RCTs