While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Elena Rodriguez is a marine biologist known for developing...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Elena Rodriguez is a marine biologist known for developing several innovative sampling protocols.
- A stratified sampling protocol divides the study area into distinct layers or zones for systematic data collection.
- This method ensures representative coverage across different environmental conditions and depths.
- Her protocol "Benthic Community Analysis Method 3" (BCAM-3) was developed in 2019 for deep-sea floor studies.
- It focuses specifically on organisms living within 5 meters of the seafloor.
- The protocol uses both photographic documentation and physical specimen collection.
The student wants to describe Rodriguez's BCAM-3 protocol to an audience already familiar with stratified sampling methods. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Developed in 2019, Rodriguez's BCAM-3 protocol targets organisms within 5 meters of the seafloor using both photographic documentation and physical specimen collection.
Rodriguez's 2019 protocol BCAM-3 is one of her several stratified sampling methods, which divide study areas into distinct layers for systematic data collection.
Known for developing innovative stratified sampling protocols that ensure representative coverage, Rodriguez created BCAM-3 in 2019.
A stratified sampling protocol, such as Rodriguez's BCAM-3, divides study areas into layers and ensures representative coverage across different environmental conditions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Elena Rodriguez is a marine biologist known for developing several innovative sampling protocols." |
|
| "A stratified sampling protocol divides the study area into distinct layers or zones for systematic data collection." |
|
| "This method ensures representative coverage across different environmental conditions and depths." |
|
| "Her protocol 'Benthic Community Analysis Method 3' (BCAM-3) was developed in 2019 for deep-sea floor studies." |
|
| "It focuses specifically on organisms living within 5 meters of the seafloor." |
|
| "The protocol uses both photographic documentation and physical specimen collection." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The notes provide background on stratified sampling and detailed information about Rodriguez's specific BCAM-3 protocol developed for deep-sea organism studies.
Argument Flow: The notes first establish Rodriguez's credentials and define stratified sampling methods. They then focus on her specific BCAM-3 protocol, providing details about when it was developed, its purpose, target organisms, and methodology.
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
- Since the audience already knows what stratified sampling is, we don't need to explain that concept
- Instead, we need to focus on the specific details that make BCAM-3 unique and informative
- The right answer should include specific details about BCAM-3 such as when it was developed, what it targets, and how it works
Developed in 2019, Rodriguez's BCAM-3 protocol targets organisms within 5 meters of the seafloor using both photographic documentation and physical specimen collection.
- Provides three specific details about BCAM-3: development year (2019), target (organisms within 5 meters of seafloor), and methodology (photographic documentation and physical specimen collection)
- Doesn't waste space explaining stratified sampling since the audience already knows this
- Directly matches our prethinking by focusing on BCAM-3's unique characteristics
Rodriguez's 2019 protocol BCAM-3 is one of her several stratified sampling methods, which divide study areas into distinct layers for systematic data collection.
- Spends valuable space explaining what stratified sampling methods do
- This explanation is unnecessary since the audience already knows about stratified sampling
- Provides minimal specific information about BCAM-3 itself
Known for developing innovative stratified sampling protocols that ensure representative coverage, Rodriguez created BCAM-3 in 2019.
- Focuses too much on general information about Rodriguez and stratified sampling protocols
- Only mentions that BCAM-3 was created in 2019, but provides no other specific details about the protocol
A stratified sampling protocol, such as Rodriguez's BCAM-3, divides study areas into layers and ensures representative coverage across different environmental conditions.
- Primarily explains what stratified sampling protocols do in general
- Uses BCAM-3 merely as an example rather than describing its specific features
- Doesn't provide any unique information about BCAM-3's target organisms or methodology