While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Martinez conducted a study on sleep patterns in 2019.The...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Martinez conducted a study on sleep patterns in 2019.
- The study used quantitative methods to collect data.
- Dr. Martinez surveyed 500 participants using standardized questionnaires.
- Her approach focused on statistical analysis of numerical data.
- In 2020, Dr. Thompson studied the same topic using qualitative methods.
- Dr. Thompson conducted in-depth interviews with 20 participants.
- His approach focused on understanding personal experiences and narratives.
The student wants to emphasize a difference in the research approaches of the two studies. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Martinez's 2019 study employed quantitative methods with statistical analysis of survey data, whereas Dr. Thompson's 2020 study used qualitative methods focusing on personal narratives from interviews.
In 2019, Dr. Martinez conducted a study on sleep patterns by surveying 500 participants; however, the following year, Dr. Thompson studied the same topic by interviewing 20 participants.
Dr. Thompson's 2020 study used qualitative methods, conducting in-depth interviews to understand personal experiences and narratives.
Both Dr. Martinez and Dr. Thompson studied sleep patterns, using different methods such as surveys and interviews.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez conducted a study on sleep patterns in 2019." |
|
| "The study used quantitative methods to collect data." |
|
| "Dr. Martinez surveyed 500 participants using standardized questionnaires." |
|
| "Her approach focused on statistical analysis of numerical data." |
|
| "In 2020, Dr. Thompson studied the same topic using qualitative methods." |
|
| "Dr. Thompson conducted in-depth interviews with 20 participants." |
|
| "His approach focused on understanding personal experiences and narratives." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Two researchers studied the same topic (sleep patterns) but used fundamentally different methodological approaches—one quantitative, one qualitative.
Argument Flow: The notes establish Martinez's 2019 quantitative study with large-scale surveys and statistical analysis, then contrast it with Thompson's 2020 qualitative study using small-scale interviews focused on personal narratives, highlighting the methodological differences between the two approaches.
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 choice needs to explicitly contrast the two different methodological approaches
- It should mention that Martinez used quantitative methods while Thompson used qualitative methods
- It should explain what makes these approaches different—Martinez focused on statistical analysis of numerical data from surveys, while Thompson focused on personal narratives from interviews
- The answer should make the contrast clear and direct, not just mention that they used "different methods" without explaining what the difference actually is
- The right answer should clearly state both methodological approaches and explain how they differ in their focus and data collection methods
Dr. Martinez's 2019 study employed quantitative methods with statistical analysis of survey data, whereas Dr. Thompson's 2020 study used qualitative methods focusing on personal narratives from interviews.
✓ Correct
- Explicitly contrasts "quantitative methods with statistical analysis" vs. "qualitative methods focusing on personal narratives"
- Uses "whereas" to create a direct comparison that emphasizes the difference
- Includes specific details that show how the approaches differ (statistical analysis vs. personal narratives, surveys vs. interviews)
- Perfectly matches our prethinking about needing to explain the methodological contrast
In 2019, Dr. Martinez conducted a study on sleep patterns by surveying 500 participants; however, the following year, Dr. Thompson studied the same topic by interviewing 20 participants.
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions sample sizes (500 vs. 20) and data collection methods (surveys vs. interviews)
- Doesn't identify the fundamental methodological difference between quantitative and qualitative approaches
- Uses "however" but focuses on logistics rather than the conceptual difference in research approaches
- What trap this represents: Students might think mentioning different methods is enough, but this choice misses the key distinction between quantitative vs. qualitative paradigms
Dr. Thompson's 2020 study used qualitative methods, conducting in-depth interviews to understand personal experiences and narratives.
✗ Incorrect
- Only describes Thompson's qualitative approach
- Completely ignores Martinez's study and approach
- Cannot emphasize a "difference" when it only presents one side of the comparison
- Fails the basic requirement of contrasting the two approaches
Both Dr. Martinez and Dr. Thompson studied sleep patterns, using different methods such as surveys and interviews.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions that they used "different methods" but doesn't specify what the difference is
- Groups surveys and interviews together as just "different methods" without explaining the underlying methodological distinction
- Uses vague language ("such as") that doesn't create a clear contrast
- What trap this represents: Students might think that mentioning both methods is sufficient, but without explaining how they differ conceptually, this doesn't accomplish the goal of emphasizing the difference