Dr. Sarah Chen's 2019 critique of prevailing research practices in cognitive psychology created significant tension within her field—while most resear...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen's 2019 critique of prevailing research practices in cognitive psychology created significant tension within her field—while most researchers favored either quantitative or qualitative approaches, she found fundamental flaws in both methodologies. She argued that those who relied exclusively on statistical analysis were missing crucial contextual factors. Despite being trained primarily in quantitative methods herself, she also condemned the subjective interpretations common in qualitative research, arguing that such approaches lacked the rigor necessary for scientific validity.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
It clarifies Chen's isolated position within the research methodology debate.
It suggests that Chen's quantitative training was inadequate for her research.
It describes the controversy that Chen's work created within qualitative research circles.
It outlines the methodological approach that Chen believed psychology should adopt.
I'll solve this step by step, following the structured approach to help you understand exactly how to approach text structure questions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Dr. Sarah Chen's 2019 critique of prevailing research practices in cognitive psychology created significant tension within her field" |
|
| "while most researchers favored either quantitative or qualitative approaches, she found fundamental flaws in both methodologies." |
|
| "She argued that those who relied exclusively on statistical analysis were missing crucial contextual factors." |
|
| "Despite being trained primarily in quantitative methods herself, she also condemned the subjective interpretations common in qualitative research, arguing that such approaches lacked the rigor necessary for scientific validity." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen uniquely criticized both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in cognitive psychology, putting her at odds with researchers who typically favored one approach or the other.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Chen as a controversial figure who broke from typical research camps. While most researchers chose sides between quantitative or qualitative methods, Chen criticized both. The text then elaborates on each critique—first her criticism of purely statistical approaches, then her condemnation of qualitative methods despite being trained in quantitative methods herself.
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 underlined sentence does something important by showing that Chen criticizes qualitative research "despite" her quantitative training
- This word "despite" is key—it emphasizes that Chen isn't just defending her own methodology camp
- Instead, she's willing to criticize both sides, which makes her position unique and isolated from typical researchers who pick either quantitative or qualitative approaches
- The sentence reinforces that Chen stands apart from both research communities, since she attacks both methodologies even when it means criticizing approaches different from her own training
- So the right answer should explain how this sentence emphasizes Chen's unique, isolated position in the research debate
It clarifies Chen's isolated position within the research methodology debate.
✓ Correct
- This captures exactly what the sentence does—it clarifies that Chen is isolated from both research camps
- The word "despite" in the sentence shows she criticizes qualitative methods even though she wasn't trained in that approach, emphasizing she's willing to critique both sides
- This matches our prethinking about how the sentence shows Chen's unique position apart from typical researchers
It suggests that Chen's quantitative training was inadequate for her research.
✗ Incorrect
- The sentence doesn't suggest her quantitative training was inadequate
- "Despite" indicates her training background, but the focus is on her willingness to criticize both approaches, not on any inadequacy in her preparation
It describes the controversy that Chen's work created within qualitative research circles.
✗ Incorrect
- The sentence doesn't describe controversy within qualitative research circles specifically
- It explains Chen's position and reasoning, not the reaction from qualitative researchers
- The passage focuses on Chen's stance, not on how different groups responded to her work
It outlines the methodological approach that Chen believed psychology should adopt.
✗ Incorrect
- The sentence describes what Chen condemned, not what she believed psychology should adopt
- The text tells us what approaches she criticized but doesn't outline her preferred alternative methodology