Dr. Sarah Chen's research in the early 2000s relied heavily on traditional laboratory experiments with multiple controlled variables. In 2010,...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Sarah Chen's research in the early 2000s relied heavily on traditional laboratory experiments with multiple controlled variables. In 2010, she adopted large-scale computational modeling to analyze entire datasets simultaneously, describing this approach as conducting research 'through comprehensive simulation.' Chen characterized this shift as moving away from the 'variable-by-variable methodology' that dominated her earlier work. Some research methodologists argue this transition represents 'eliminating controlled experimentation' from her process. Therefore, regardless of whether computational modeling constitutes controlled experimentation, both Chen and these methodologists likely agree that _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Chen's early 2000s research involved significantly more controlled variables than her work from 2010 onward does.
any computational tool that a researcher uses is capable of conducting controlled experiments.
Chen became less interested in rigorous methodology as her career developed.
Chen's early 2000s research is much more theoretical than her work from 2010 onward is.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen's research in the early 2000s relied heavily on traditional laboratory experiments with multiple controlled variables.' |
|
| 'In 2010, she adopted large-scale computational modeling to analyze entire datasets simultaneously, describing this approach as conducting research 'through comprehensive simulation.'' |
|
| 'Chen characterized this shift as moving away from the 'variable-by-variable methodology' that dominated her earlier work.' |
|
| 'Some research methodologists argue this transition represents 'eliminating controlled experimentation' from her process.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage describes how Dr. Chen shifted her research methodology and presents two different characterizations of that shift, leading to a question about what both parties would likely agree on.
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 key insight is that while Chen and the methodologists use different language to describe her shift, they're both acknowledging the same underlying change
- Chen says she moved away from 'variable-by-variable methodology' while methodologists say she's 'eliminating controlled experimentation' - both perspectives point to her earlier research involving more controlled variables compared to her current computational approach
Chen's early 2000s research involved significantly more controlled variables than her work from 2010 onward does.
✓ Correct
- This directly reflects what both parties acknowledge - Chen moved away from variable-by-variable methodology while methodologists say she eliminated controlled experimentation
- Both characterizations point to her earlier research involving significantly more controlled variables than her current approach
any computational tool that a researcher uses is capable of conducting controlled experiments.
✗ Incorrect
- This makes a broad claim about computational tools' capabilities that neither Chen nor the methodologists discuss
- The passage focuses on Chen's specific methodological shift, not general statements about computational tools
Chen became less interested in rigorous methodology as her career developed.
✗ Incorrect
- This suggests Chen became less rigorous, but neither party frames the change as a loss of rigor - they're describing different approaches, not different levels of methodological quality
Chen's early 2000s research is much more theoretical than her work from 2010 onward is.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage doesn't discuss whether her research became more or less theoretical - it focuses on methodological changes in how she conducts research