Dr. Sarah Chen became a prominent figure in climate research during the 2010s, though her approach differed significantly from her...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen became a prominent figure in climate research during the 2010s, though her approach differed significantly from her peers. While other climate scientists typically relied on large-scale computer models and collaborated with extensive research teams, Chen conducted field studies using portable instruments and worked primarily alone or with just one assistant. She focused on gathering data from remote locations that were difficult to access, such as high-altitude glaciers and isolated arctic stations. Chen also chose to publish her findings in shorter, more frequent reports rather than the comprehensive annual studies favored by most researchers in her field.
According to the text, what is one way that Chen differed from other climate scientists?
She published shorter, more frequent reports instead of comprehensive annual studies.
She relied heavily on large-scale computer models.
She avoided working in remote locations.
She collaborated with extensive research teams.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen became a prominent figure in climate research during the 2010s, though her approach differed significantly from her peers." |
|
| "While other climate scientists typically relied on large-scale computer models and collaborated with extensive research teams," |
|
| "Chen conducted field studies using portable instruments and worked primarily alone or with just one assistant." |
|
| "She focused on gathering data from remote locations that were difficult to access, such as high-altitude glaciers and isolated arctic stations." |
|
| "Chen also chose to publish her findings in shorter, more frequent reports rather than the comprehensive annual studies favored by most researchers in her field." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen distinguished herself in climate research by using hands-on, small-scale methods that contrasted sharply with the conventional approaches used by her peers.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Chen as a prominent but unconventional researcher, then systematically contrasts her methods with standard practices. It moves from general differences (field work vs. computer models, small teams vs. large ones) to specific details about her work locations and publishing patterns, building a complete picture of how she stood apart from her field.
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, Chen differed from her peers in several clear ways: she used portable field instruments instead of computer models, worked with small teams instead of large ones, chose remote locations for data collection, and published frequent short reports instead of annual comprehensive studies
- The correct answer should identify one of these specific contrasts that we can directly point to in the text
She published shorter, more frequent reports instead of comprehensive annual studies.
✓ Correct
- This directly matches what we read about publishing differences - Chen chose shorter, more frequent reports rather than comprehensive annual studies favored by most researchers
She relied heavily on large-scale computer models.
✗ Incorrect
- States Chen relied heavily on large-scale computer models - this is backwards since the passage tells us other scientists used computer models while Chen used portable field instruments
She avoided working in remote locations.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Chen avoided working in remote locations - this contradicts the passage, which specifically says she focused on gathering data from remote locations that were difficult to access
She collaborated with extensive research teams.
✗ Incorrect
- Says Chen collaborated with extensive research teams - the passage clearly states she worked primarily alone or with just one assistant