Dr. Sarah Chen has built a distinguished career as a marine biologist, conducting both extensive fieldwork in ocean environments and...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen has built a distinguished career as a marine biologist, conducting both extensive fieldwork in ocean environments and controlled laboratory studies. In a research paper about Chen's methodology, a graduate student argues that Chen strengthens her laboratory research by incorporating field study techniques into her experimental design.
Which quotation from a research methodology expert best supports the student's argument?
"Chen's early career involved traditional laboratory work studying marine specimens, but she later expanded her expertise by pursuing advanced training in underwater field research techniques and coastal ecosystem analysis."
"When designing a recent laboratory experiment on coral bleaching, Chen implemented field research protocols, conducting preliminary habitat surveys and collecting environmental data to inform her controlled study parameters."
"Many of Chen's published laboratory studies demonstrate her application of controlled experimental techniques to field research, such as using standardized measurement protocols during underwater surveys."
"Chen's research assistant noted that the laboratory maintains detailed field guides and environmental monitoring equipment that researchers consult when developing hypotheses for their controlled experiments."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen has built a distinguished career as a marine biologist, conducting both extensive fieldwork in ocean environments and controlled laboratory studies." |
|
| "In a research paper about Chen's methodology, a graduate student argues that Chen strengthens her laboratory research by incorporating field study techniques into her experimental design." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A graduate student argues that marine biologist Dr. Sarah Chen strengthens her laboratory research by incorporating field study techniques into her experimental design.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Chen's background in both field and laboratory work, then presents a student's specific argument about how she integrates these two approaches, with field techniques enhancing her lab research.
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 quotation needs to show Chen actually taking specific techniques or approaches from her field research experience and using them to make her laboratory experiments better or more effective
- We need evidence of this integration happening - not just that she does both types of research, but that she consciously brings field methods into her lab work
"Chen's early career involved traditional laboratory work studying marine specimens, but she later expanded her expertise by pursuing advanced training in underwater field research techniques and coastal ecosystem analysis."
✗ Incorrect
- Describes Chen's career progression from lab work to field training
- Shows expansion of skills but doesn't demonstrate using field techniques in lab research
"When designing a recent laboratory experiment on coral bleaching, Chen implemented field research protocols, conducting preliminary habitat surveys and collecting environmental data to inform her controlled study parameters."
✓ Correct
- Shows Chen implementing field research protocols when designing a lab experiment
- Specifically mentions conducting habitat surveys and collecting environmental data to inform controlled study parameters
- Directly demonstrates field techniques strengthening lab design
"Many of Chen's published laboratory studies demonstrate her application of controlled experimental techniques to field research, such as using standardized measurement protocols during underwater surveys."
✗ Incorrect
- Describes applying lab techniques to field research (opposite direction)
- Goes against the student's argument about field-to-lab integration
"Chen's research assistant noted that the laboratory maintains detailed field guides and environmental monitoring equipment that researchers consult when developing hypotheses for their controlled experiments."
✗ Incorrect
- Only mentions having field resources available in the lab
- Shows preparation tools but no evidence of actually incorporating field methods into experiments