Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a marine biologist known for her interdisciplinary research methods, combines techniques from oceanography, chemistry, microbiolo...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a marine biologist known for her interdisciplinary research methods, combines techniques from oceanography, chemistry, microbiology, and data science to study coral reef ecosystems. Her collaborative approach has influenced researchers in related fields to adopt similar cross-disciplinary strategies, leading to breakthroughs in areas ranging from climate modeling to pharmaceutical development. A graduate student writing a thesis argues that the adoption of interdisciplinary methods by other researchers demonstrates the effectiveness of Rodriguez's integrated approach to scientific inquiry.
Which quotation from a research journal best supports the student's argument?
Rodriguez's commitment to breaking down traditional academic silos encourages other scientists to consider how diverse methodologies might enhance their own research programs.
The 2022 symposium on marine research featured Rodriguez alongside twelve other scientists who presented findings based on her coral reef data.
After completing her doctoral studies in marine biology, Rodriguez spent additional years training in chemistry and data analysis before establishing her current research program.
Rodriguez has co-authored papers with researchers from multiple institutions, contributing her expertise to studies of everything from deep-sea mining to marine conservation.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a marine biologist known for her interdisciplinary research methods, combines techniques from oceanography, chemistry, microbiology, and data science to study coral reef ecosystems.' |
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| 'Her collaborative approach has influenced researchers in related fields to adopt similar cross-disciplinary strategies, leading to breakthroughs in areas ranging from climate modeling to pharmaceutical development.' |
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| 'A graduate student writing a thesis argues that the adoption of interdisciplinary methods by other researchers demonstrates the effectiveness of Rodriguez's integrated approach to scientific inquiry.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A graduate student argues that other researchers' adoption of Rodriguez's interdisciplinary methods proves the effectiveness of her integrated scientific approach.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes Rodriguez as a marine biologist who uses interdisciplinary methods. It then explains how her approach has influenced other researchers to adopt similar cross-disciplinary strategies, resulting in breakthroughs. Finally, it presents a student's argument that this adoption by others demonstrates the effectiveness of Rodriguez's approach.
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 correct answer must show evidence that other researchers have actually adopted Rodriguez's interdisciplinary methods or approach
- It should demonstrate that her influence has led others to consider or implement similar cross-disciplinary strategies
- The quotation should directly connect Rodriguez's work to others changing their research approaches
Rodriguez's commitment to breaking down traditional academic silos encourages other scientists to consider how diverse methodologies might enhance their own research programs.
- This directly shows Rodriguez encouraging other scientists to consider diverse methodologies for their research programs
- This perfectly matches our prethinking by showing Rodriguez's direct influence on others to adopt interdisciplinary approaches
- The phrase 'encourages other scientists to consider how diverse methodologies might enhance their own research programs' directly supports the student's claim about adoption of interdisciplinary methods
The 2022 symposium on marine research featured Rodriguez alongside twelve other scientists who presented findings based on her coral reef data.
- This describes other scientists presenting findings based on Rodriguez's coral reef data
- This shows use of her data, not adoption of her interdisciplinary methods
- Trap: Students might confuse using someone's data with adopting their research methodology
After completing her doctoral studies in marine biology, Rodriguez spent additional years training in chemistry and data analysis before establishing her current research program.
- This describes Rodriguez's own educational background and training
- This explains how Rodriguez developed her interdisciplinary approach, not how others adopted it
- This is about Rodriguez's qualifications, not her influence on other researchers
Rodriguez has co-authored papers with researchers from multiple institutions, contributing her expertise to studies of everything from deep-sea mining to marine conservation.
- This shows Rodriguez collaborating with researchers from multiple institutions
- Collaboration doesn't demonstrate that others have adopted her interdisciplinary methods
- Trap: Students might think collaboration equals adoption of methods, but working together is different from changing one's own research approach