While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Martinez's 2023 study on urban air quality employed two...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Martinez's 2023 study on urban air quality employed two distinct data collection methods.
- The study began with preliminary surveys that gathered baseline measurements across the city.
- These initial surveys helped researchers identify potential pollution hotspots for focused investigation.
- The study concluded with detailed sensor networks that monitored air quality continuously over six months.
- The sensor networks provided comprehensive data that confirmed the researchers' initial hypotheses.
The student wants to contrast the functions of the two data collection methods. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Martinez's 2023 study on urban air quality featured both preliminary surveys and detailed sensor networks to investigate pollution.
The study's preliminary surveys helped identify pollution hotspots for investigation, while the sensor networks provided comprehensive data to confirm hypotheses.
Dr. Martinez employed two data collection methods in her air quality research, each serving a specific function for the researchers.
In 2023, Dr. Martinez conducted urban air quality research using preliminary surveys followed by detailed sensor networks.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Martinez's 2023 study on urban air quality employed two distinct data collection methods.' |
|
| 'The study began with preliminary surveys that gathered baseline measurements across the city.' |
|
| 'These initial surveys helped researchers identify potential pollution hotspots for focused investigation.' |
|
| 'The study concluded with detailed sensor networks that monitored air quality continuously over six months.' |
|
| 'The sensor networks provided comprehensive data that confirmed the researchers' initial hypotheses.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
DR. MARTINEZ'S AIR QUALITY STUDY
Method 1: Preliminary Surveys
What: Gathered baseline measurements citywide
Function: Identified pollution hotspots
Method 2: Detailed Sensor Networks
What: Continuous monitoring for 6 months
Function: Provided comprehensive confirming data
Main Point: Dr. Martinez used two complementary data collection methods in her air quality study, each serving a distinct function in the research process.
Argument Flow: The notes present two data collection methods in chronological order. The preliminary surveys served an exploratory function—gathering initial data and identifying areas needing closer examination. The sensor networks served a confirmatory function—providing detailed, long-term data that validated the researchers' theories.
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
- From our analysis, we can see the two methods had very different functions
- The preliminary surveys were exploratory—they helped researchers figure out where to look more closely by identifying pollution hotspots
- The sensor networks were confirmatory—they provided the detailed evidence needed to support the researchers' theories
- The right answer needs to show this functional difference clearly, not just mention that both methods existed
- The right answer should explicitly state what each method's distinct function was, showing how they served different purposes in the research process
Dr. Martinez's 2023 study on urban air quality featured both preliminary surveys and detailed sensor networks to investigate pollution.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - Simply states that the study used both methods to investigate pollution
- Doesn't contrast their functions at all—just says both were used for the same general purpose
- Misses the key requirement to show how their roles differed
The study's preliminary surveys helped identify pollution hotspots for investigation, while the sensor networks provided comprehensive data to confirm hypotheses.
✓ Correct
- Clearly contrasts the functions: surveys 'helped identify pollution hotspots for investigation' while networks 'provided comprehensive data to confirm hypotheses'
- Shows the exploratory function of surveys versus the confirmatory function of networks
- Directly matches our prethinking about the different roles each method played
Dr. Martinez employed two data collection methods in her air quality research, each serving a specific function for the researchers.
✗ Incorrect
- Says each method served 'a specific function' but doesn't tell us what those functions were
- Fails to actually contrast the functions—just claims they were different without explaining how
- What trap this represents: Students might think this answers the question because it mentions 'specific functions,' but it doesn't actually contrast them
In 2023, Dr. Martinez conducted urban air quality research using preliminary surveys followed by detailed sensor networks.
✗ Incorrect
- Describes the sequence of methods (surveys followed by networks) but not their functions
- Focuses on timing rather than purpose or role
- Doesn't address what the question is asking for