Dr. Sarah Chen led a 2019 climate modeling study that faced criticism for its narrow geographic focus. Chen acknowledged the...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen led a 2019 climate modeling study that faced criticism for its narrow geographic focus. Chen acknowledged the study's limited scope but maintained that her research methods were rigorous and appropriate for the questions being investigated: _______
Which statement from Chen's research documentation best supports this claim?
"While our geographic parameters were necessarily constrained by available data sources, these limitations do not compromise the validity of our analytical framework, which remains the most appropriate methodology for addressing our specific research objectives."
"The scope of our investigation was determined by practical considerations, though we acknowledge that broader geographic coverage would strengthen future iterations of this research."
"We focused our analysis on a specific region due to resource constraints, but we believe this targeted approach allows for more precise conclusions."
"Despite criticism regarding our study's geographic limitations, we maintain our commitment to expanding the research parameters in subsequent investigations."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen led a 2019 climate modeling study that faced criticism for its narrow geographic focus." |
|
| "Chen acknowledged the study's limited scope but maintained that her research methods were rigorous and appropriate for the questions being investigated:" |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite acknowledging geographic limitations in her climate study, Chen maintains that her research methods were rigorous and appropriate for addressing the specific research questions.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a conflict between external criticism of Chen's study's narrow scope and Chen's defense of her methodology. She concedes the limitation but argues that her methods were still scientifically sound and fit for purpose.
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 answer must directly support Chen's dual claim that: (1) she acknowledges the geographic limitations, and (2) her research methods were still rigorous and appropriate for the specific questions being studied
- We need a statement that doesn't just admit the limitations or promise future improvements, but actively defends the current methodology as scientifically sound despite the constraints
"While our geographic parameters were necessarily constrained by available data sources, these limitations do not compromise the validity of our analytical framework, which remains the most appropriate methodology for addressing our specific research objectives."
✓ Correct
- Directly acknowledges the geographic constraints while asserting that these "do not compromise the validity of our analytical framework" and that the methodology "remains the most appropriate" for the research objectives
- Perfectly matches Chen's position of acknowledging limitations but defending methodological rigor
"The scope of our investigation was determined by practical considerations, though we acknowledge that broader geographic coverage would strengthen future iterations of this research."
✗ Incorrect
- Acknowledges that broader coverage "would strengthen future iterations" but doesn't defend the current methodology as rigorous or appropriate
- This actually undermines Chen's claim by suggesting the current approach needs strengthening
"We focused our analysis on a specific region due to resource constraints, but we believe this targeted approach allows for more precise conclusions."
✗ Incorrect
- Explains the reasoning behind the geographic focus but doesn't address methodological rigor
- Claims "more precise conclusions" but doesn't defend the overall analytical framework
"Despite criticism regarding our study's geographic limitations, we maintain our commitment to expanding the research parameters in subsequent investigations."
✗ Incorrect
- Only addresses future research plans, not current methodology
- Doesn't defend the rigor or appropriateness of the current study's methods