The following text is from a research methodology journal discussing experimental design approaches.Dr. Martinez implemented a longitudinal study desi...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a research methodology journal discussing experimental design approaches.
Dr. Martinez implemented a longitudinal study design to examine the effects of environmental factors on plant growth patterns. By collecting data over multiple growing seasons rather than conducting a single-point analysis, she was able to identify seasonal variations that previous researchers had missed. This methodological choice proved crucial, as it revealed cyclical patterns that explained seemingly contradictory results from earlier studies.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To compare Dr. Martinez's research findings with those of previous researchers
To describe the challenges researchers face when studying environmental factors
To explain how a specific methodological approach led to important discoveries
To advocate for longitudinal studies as superior to single-point analyses
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Martinez implemented a longitudinal study design to examine the effects of environmental factors on plant growth patterns.' |
|
| 'By collecting data over multiple growing seasons rather than conducting a single-point analysis, she was able to identify seasonal variations that previous researchers had missed.' |
|
| 'This methodological choice proved crucial, as it revealed cyclical patterns that explained seemingly contradictory results from earlier studies.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Martinez's decision to use a longitudinal study design led to important discoveries that explained previously contradictory research results.
Argument Flow: The passage begins by introducing Dr. Martinez's methodological choice, then explains what this approach allowed her to discover that others had missed, and concludes by emphasizing how crucial this methodological decision was in revealing patterns that solved existing research puzzles.
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 passage is fundamentally about Dr. Martinez's methodological decision and its positive consequences
- The right answer should capture that this is about a specific research approach or method
- That this method led to important discoveries or insights
- That there's a connection between the methodological choice and successful outcomes
- The passage isn't primarily comparing findings, discussing general research challenges, or making an argument for one approach over another
- Instead, it's showing us a case study of how one researcher's methodological choice paid off
- So the right answer should explain how a particular research method led to valuable discoveries
To compare Dr. Martinez's research findings with those of previous researchers
- This suggests the main focus is comparing Dr. Martinez's findings with previous researchers' findings
- While the passage mentions previous researchers, the comparison isn't the central purpose—it's used to highlight what Dr. Martinez's method achieved
To describe the challenges researchers face when studying environmental factors
- This suggests the passage is about general research challenges
- The passage doesn't discuss challenges researchers face—it focuses on one researcher's successful methodological approach
To explain how a specific methodological approach led to important discoveries
- Captures that this is about a 'specific methodological approach' (the longitudinal study design)
- Recognizes that this approach 'led to important discoveries' (seasonal variations, cyclical patterns)
- Matches our prethinking perfectly—the passage shows how Dr. Martinez's method choice resulted in valuable insights
To advocate for longitudinal studies as superior to single-point analyses
- This suggests the passage is arguing for longitudinal studies over single-point analyses
- While the passage shows the benefits of the longitudinal approach, it's not making a general argument or advocacy—it's describing what happened in this specific case