The following text is adapted from Dr. Sarah Chen's research journal chronicling her shift toward computational biology methodologies. Following decad...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is adapted from Dr. Sarah Chen's research journal chronicling her shift toward computational biology methodologies. Following decades of conventional laboratory research, Dr. Chen had recently started integrating machine learning techniques into her protein analysis studies.
[Dr. Chen] discovered herself invigorated by the computational potential and determined to comprehend every element of this analytical methodology. Throughout her evening programming work, she watched graduate students seamlessly managing intricate data collections and questioned with increasing fascination which sophisticated methods they could be utilizing. Her earlier investigations had depended mainly on traditional experimental procedures and standard statistical approaches.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
It depicts the difficulties a scientist encounters while implementing new technology.
It demonstrates a researcher's reaction to an alternative methodological strategy.
It compares a researcher's effectiveness across various times of day.
It shows a researcher doubting the worth of conventional methods.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'The following text is adapted from Dr. Sarah Chen's research journal chronicling her shift toward computational biology methodologies.' |
|
| 'Following decades of conventional laboratory research, Dr. Chen had recently started integrating machine learning techniques into her protein analysis studies.' |
|
| '[Dr. Chen] discovered herself invigorated by the computational potential and determined to comprehend every element of this analytical methodology.' |
|
| 'Throughout her evening programming work, she watched graduate students seamlessly managing intricate data collections and questioned with increasing fascination which sophisticated methods they could be utilizing.' |
|
| 'Her earlier investigations had depended mainly on traditional experimental procedures and standard statistical approaches.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The text chronicles Dr. Chen's enthusiastic response to adopting computational methods after decades of traditional 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 passage is fundamentally about Dr. Chen's response to a new research methodology
- We see her excitement, determination, and fascination with computational approaches after decades of traditional work
- The text emphasizes her positive engagement rather than difficulties
It depicts the difficulties a scientist encounters while implementing new technology.
- States the passage shows 'difficulties' with new technology
- The passage actually emphasizes Dr. Chen being 'invigorated' and having 'increasing fascination'
It demonstrates a researcher's reaction to an alternative methodological strategy.
- Captures that we're seeing a researcher's reaction to an alternative methodology
- Matches our analysis showing Dr. Chen's positive response to computational approaches
It compares a researcher's effectiveness across various times of day.
- Mentions comparing 'effectiveness across various times of day'
- The passage mentions 'evening programming work' but doesn't compare her effectiveness at different times
It shows a researcher doubting the worth of conventional methods.
- Claims she's 'doubting the worth of conventional methods'
- The passage shows her exploring new methods but never suggests she doubts her previous work