While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Dr. Sarah Chen leads a marine biology research team.Her team...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Dr. Sarah Chen leads a marine biology research team.
- Her team conducted a study on coral reef recovery patterns in 2022.
- The research involved monitoring two separate reef sections over six months.
- One section received artificial nutrient supplementation.
- The other section was left in its natural state as a control.
- Both sections were measured monthly for coral growth and biodiversity changes.
The student wants to describe how the research team designed their comparative study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Dr. Chen's team designed their comparative study by monitoring two reef sections simultaneously—one receiving artificial nutrients while the other remained untreated—and measuring both monthly for growth and biodiversity.
The marine biology study conducted by Dr. Sarah Chen's team focused on coral reef recovery patterns.
Dr. Chen's research team monitored coral reef sections for six months in 2022.
The study involved two separate reef sections that were part of Dr. Sarah Chen's marine biology research.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen leads a marine biology research team." |
|
| "Her team conducted a study on coral reef recovery patterns in 2022." |
|
| "The research involved monitoring two separate reef sections over six months." |
|
| "One section received artificial nutrient supplementation." |
|
| "The other section was left in its natural state as a control." |
|
| "Both sections were measured monthly for coral growth and biodiversity changes." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Chen's team designed a controlled comparative study to test whether artificial nutrient supplementation affects coral reef recovery.
Argument Flow: The notes establish the research team and topic, then systematically detail the comparative study design: two reef sections monitored over six months, with one receiving treatment and the other serving as a control, both measured monthly for specific outcomes.
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 fact that it compared two different conditions (treatment vs. control)
- What the treatment was (artificial nutrients vs. natural state)
- How they measured the results (monthly tracking of growth and biodiversity)
- The comparative aspect is crucial here—that's what makes it a "comparative study."
- The right answer should explain how they set up two groups with different conditions and measured them systematically to make comparisons.
Dr. Chen's team designed their comparative study by monitoring two reef sections simultaneously—one receiving artificial nutrients while the other remained untreated—and measuring both monthly for growth and biodiversity.
- Captures all key design elements: two sections monitored simultaneously
- Specifies the comparative aspect: one with nutrients vs. one untreated
- Includes the measurement approach: monthly tracking for growth and biodiversity
- This matches our prethinking perfectly—it's a complete description of the comparative design
The marine biology study conducted by Dr. Sarah Chen's team focused on coral reef recovery patterns.
- Only mentions the research focus (coral reef recovery patterns)
- Completely misses the comparative study design
- What trap this represents: Students might think naming the research topic is enough to describe the study design, but the question specifically asks about how the study was designed, not what it studied
Dr. Chen's research team monitored coral reef sections for six months in 2022.
- Only provides basic logistical details (six months, 2022)
- Ignores the comparative elements entirely
- Doesn't explain how the study was structured to make comparisons
The study involved two separate reef sections that were part of Dr. Sarah Chen's marine biology research.
- Mentions two reef sections but doesn't explain their different roles
- Missing the key comparative elements (treatment vs. control)
- Too vague to describe the actual study design