While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:A research network is the system of connections linking scientists...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- A research network is the system of connections linking scientists who collaborate on shared investigations.
- German sociologist Maria Weber studies contemporary research networks in climate science.
- Some network participants are graduate students collecting field data in remote locations.
- Other participants are senior researchers analyzing findings at major universities.
- According to Weber, "International climate research networks expanded rapidly in the 1990s when global warming concerns reached mainstream scientific discourse."
The student wants to provide an overview of climate research networks. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Connecting field data collectors in remote locations with senior researchers at major universities, contemporary climate research networks represent a collaborative system that emerged as global warming gained scientific prominence in the 1990s.
Climate research networks include scientists who collaborate on shared investigations, such as those studying global warming patterns.
Research networks consist of connections between scientists, with participants ranging from graduate students to senior researchers.
According to Weber, contemporary climate research networks expanded rapidly when global warming concerns reached mainstream scientific discourse in the 1990s.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "A research network is the system of connections linking scientists who collaborate on shared investigations." |
|
| "German sociologist Maria Weber studies contemporary research networks in climate science." |
|
| "Some network participants are graduate students collecting field data in remote locations." |
|
| "Other participants are senior researchers analyzing findings at major universities." |
|
| "According to Weber, 'International climate research networks expanded rapidly in the 1990s when global warming concerns reached mainstream scientific discourse.'" |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Climate research networks are collaborative systems connecting different types of scientists that expanded significantly in the 1990s.
Argument Flow: The notes start by defining research networks generally, then introduce Weber as the expert studying climate research networks specifically. They describe the two main types of participants (graduate students doing fieldwork and senior researchers doing analysis), and conclude with Weber's observation about rapid network expansion in the 1990s when global warming became mainstream scientific concern.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish the goal of providing an overview of climate research networks.
What type of answer do we need? A synthesis that combines multiple pieces of information from the notes into a cohesive overview.
Any limiting keywords? "Most effectively" - so we need the choice that best captures the key elements comprehensively, and "relevant information" - so it should use multiple pieces from the notes, not just one.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- For a good overview of climate research networks, the answer should:
- Define or explain what these networks are (collaborative systems)
- Include information about who participates (grad students doing fieldwork, senior researchers doing analysis)
- Mention their growth/development context (expanded in 1990s with global warming prominence)
- The best answer should synthesize these elements rather than just focusing on one aspect.
Connecting field data collectors in remote locations with senior researchers at major universities, contemporary climate research networks represent a collaborative system that emerged as global warming gained scientific prominence in the 1990s.
✓ Correct
Synthesizes multiple key elements: connects field data collectors with senior researchers, describes networks as collaborative systems, and places their emergence in historical context of 1990s global warming prominence. Uses relevant information from multiple bullet points effectively.
Climate research networks include scientists who collaborate on shared investigations, such as those studying global warming patterns.
✗ Incorrect
Only provides a basic definition without specific details about climate research networks. Too general and doesn't use much of the available information from the notes.
Research networks consist of connections between scientists, with participants ranging from graduate students to senior researchers.
✗ Incorrect
Focuses on research networks generally rather than climate research networks specifically. Doesn't incorporate the climate science context or Weber's findings about network expansion.
According to Weber, contemporary climate research networks expanded rapidly when global warming concerns reached mainstream scientific discourse in the 1990s.
✗ Incorrect
Only uses Weber's quote about expansion timing. Doesn't provide an overview - just focuses on one historical point. Misses the collaborative nature and participant types.