Although ecological experiments involving multiple species interactions typically yield valuable data, the complexity of these systems means that resu...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Although ecological experiments involving multiple species interactions typically yield valuable data, the complexity of these systems means that results can be particularly difficult to _____ and researchers must exercise considerable caution when drawing conclusions.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
design
replicate
fund
publish
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Although ecological experiments involving multiple species interactions typically yield valuable data," |
|
| "the complexity of these systems means that results can be particularly difficult to ______" |
|
| "and researchers must exercise considerable caution when drawing conclusions." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While complex ecological experiments provide valuable data, their complexity creates challenges that require researchers to be cautious about their conclusions.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a contrast structure - it acknowledges the value of complex ecological experiments but immediately pivots to explain how that same complexity creates difficulties, leading to the need for caution in interpretation.
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 word needs to describe what becomes difficult to do with results from complex ecological systems
- The right answer should describe an action that, when difficult to perform, would make researchers need to be extra careful about their conclusions
- This suggests the difficulty is related to the reliability or reproducibility of the findings
design
- "Design" refers to planning experiments beforehand
- The passage discusses difficulty with results after experiments are completed, not problems with initial planning
replicate
- "Replicate" means to repeat or reproduce experiments to verify results
- Complex ecological systems are inherently difficult to replicate exactly due to multiple variables and species interactions
- When results are hard to replicate, researchers must indeed be cautious about drawing broad conclusions
- Perfect logical fit: difficulty replicating → uncertainty about reliability → need for caution
fund
- "Fund" relates to obtaining financial support
- System complexity doesn't make funding particularly difficult
publish
- "Publish" means to share findings in academic journals
- Complexity doesn't inherently make publication difficult