Dr. Martinez comprehensively examines the effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems by analyzing the phenomenon through three _____...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Dr. Martinez comprehensively examines the effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems by analyzing the phenomenon through three _____ methodological approaches. Her team collected water temperature data, conducted underwater photography surveys, and interviewed local fishing communities about observed changes.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word?
collaborative
separate
preliminary
controversial
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez comprehensively examines the effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems by analyzing the phenomenon through three ______ methodological approaches." |
|
| [MISSING WORD] |
|
| "Her team collected water temperature data, conducted underwater photography surveys, and interviewed local fishing communities about observed changes." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Martinez uses three different methodological approaches to comprehensively study climate change effects on coral reefs.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces Dr. Martinez's comprehensive study, indicates she uses three distinct methodological approaches (with a missing descriptor), then provides concrete examples of these different research methods.
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
- Looking at our analysis, we have three methodological approaches: collecting temperature data (scientific/quantitative), conducting photography surveys (visual/observational), and interviewing fishing communities (social/qualitative)
- These represent three distinct types of research methods - each serves a different purpose and uses different techniques
- The word we need should capture that these are three different, distinct approaches rather than approaches that work together or have some other specific relationship
- So the right answer should describe three distinct, independent methodological approaches
collaborative
- Suggests the three approaches work together or involve cooperation
- The passage doesn't indicate the methods work together - they're simply three different ways to study the problem
separate
- Perfectly captures that these are three distinct, independent methodological approaches
- Matches our analysis showing three different types of research methods
preliminary
- Suggests these are initial or preparatory steps
- Nothing in the passage indicates these are early-stage methods
controversial
- Implies the methodological approaches are disputed
- The passage presents these as standard research methods with no suggestion of controversy