Dr. Jennifer Walsh's longitudinal study on climate adaptation required collecting data from multiple remote locations over several years, leading to...

Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage

Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table

Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements

Main Point: Dr. Walsh's comprehensive multi-year study produced findings that were solidly grounded in real-world data rather than just theoretical ideas.

Argument Flow: The sentence establishes the thorough nature of Walsh's research methodology, then contrasts the resulting findings' foundation in empirical evidence against theoretical speculation, with the missing word describing the strength of this empirical support.

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 word must describe how findings from an extensive, comprehensive study (multiple locations, several years) were supported by empirical evidence rather than theoretical speculation
• Since empirical evidence represents concrete, real-world data—and this study was particularly thorough—the support should be strong and solid
• The contrast with "theoretical speculation" also suggests we need a word that emphasizes the strength and reliability of the empirical backing