The following text is adapted from a research methodology guide.Dr. Martinez employed a systematic approach to data collection, meticulously following...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from a research methodology guide.
Dr. Martinez employed a systematic approach to data collection, meticulously following established protocols and documenting each step. Her colleague, Dr. Thompson, was considerably more flexible in his research methods. He would frequently modify procedures mid-study, pursue unexpected findings during interviews, and adapt his techniques based on emerging patterns in the data.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence?
It contrasts Dr. Thompson's methods with Dr. Martinez's systematic approach.
It explains why Dr. Thompson prefers collaborative research projects.
It lists the specific research techniques Dr. Thompson uses most often.
It describes a disagreement between the two researchers about methodology.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Martinez employed a systematic approach to data collection, meticulously following established protocols and documenting each step." |
|
| "Her colleague, Dr. Thompson, was considerably more flexible in his research methods." |
|
| "He would frequently modify procedures mid-study, pursue unexpected findings during interviews, and adapt his techniques based on emerging patterns in the data." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage contrasts two different research methodologies - Dr. Martinez's systematic approach versus Dr. Thompson's flexible approach.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes Dr. Martinez's systematic methodology, then introduces Dr. Thompson as having a contrasting flexible approach, and finally provides specific examples of how Dr. Thompson's flexibility manifests in his research practice.
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 underlined sentence comes after we've learned about Dr. Martinez's systematic approach and been told that Dr. Thompson is "considerably more flexible."
- The underlined sentence then gives us three specific examples of how Dr. Thompson demonstrates this flexibility: modifying procedures, pursuing unexpected findings, and adapting techniques.
- So the right answer should explain that this sentence provides concrete examples of the flexible approach that was just mentioned, showing how it differs from the systematic approach we learned about first.
It contrasts Dr. Thompson's methods with Dr. Martinez's systematic approach.
- This choice accurately captures that the sentence shows the contrast between the two approaches
- The specific examples of Thompson's flexibility (modifying procedures, pursuing unexpected findings, adapting techniques) directly contrast with Martinez's systematic, protocol-following approach
- Matches our prethinking about the sentence providing examples that highlight the difference
It explains why Dr. Thompson prefers collaborative research projects.
- The sentence says nothing about collaborative research or working with others
- Thompson's flexibility is about his individual research methods, not about preferring to work with colleagues
- Trap: Students might confuse "colleague" with collaboration being Thompson's preference
It lists the specific research techniques Dr. Thompson uses most often.
- While the sentence does list things Thompson does, it's not about his "most often used" techniques
- The sentence is about showing his flexibility through examples, not cataloging his regular methods
- Trap: Students might focus on the listing format and miss that these examples serve to illustrate flexibility
It describes a disagreement between the two researchers about methodology.
- The passage presents two different approaches but doesn't mention any disagreement between the researchers
- There's no indication of conflict - just different methodological styles
- Trap: Students might assume that different approaches automatically mean disagreement