Dr. Sarah Kim has gained recognition for research studies that employ accessible methodologies. Her recent work on urban noise pollution,...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Dr. Sarah Kim has gained recognition for research studies that employ accessible methodologies. Her recent work on urban noise pollution, for example, relies on straightforward data collection and presents results through easily interpretable graphics that engage both community leaders and local residents. In contrast, her earlier investigations into atmospheric chemistry required advanced statistical modeling and specialized knowledge of molecular interactions. Therefore, _______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Dr. Kim's atmospheric chemistry research is more methodologically rigorous than her noise pollution studies.
general audiences are likely to find Dr. Kim's recent accessibility-focused studies more engaging than her earlier technical work.
the urban noise pollution study represents the most accessible of all Dr. Kim's research projects.
scientists specializing in atmospheric chemistry typically prefer Dr. Kim's earlier investigations to her recent work.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Dr. Sarah Kim has gained recognition for research studies that employ accessible methodologies.' |
|
| 'Her recent work on urban noise pollution, for example, relies on straightforward data collection and presents results through easily interpretable graphics that engage both community leaders and local residents.' |
|
| 'In contrast, her earlier investigations into atmospheric chemistry required advanced statistical modeling and specialized knowledge of molecular interactions.' |
|
| 'Therefore, _______' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Kim's research approach has evolved from highly technical work requiring specialized knowledge to more accessible studies that engage broader audiences.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Dr. Kim's reputation for accessible research, then illustrates this with her recent noise pollution study that uses simple methods and engages the general public. It contrasts this with her earlier atmospheric chemistry work that required advanced statistics and specialized knowledge, setting up a logical conclusion about the difference in audience engagement between these two approaches.
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 sets up a clear contrast: Dr. Kim's recent work uses accessible methodologies that engage community leaders and local residents, while her earlier work required advanced statistical modeling and specialized knowledge
- The logical conclusion should be about how different audiences would respond to these different approaches
- The right answer should acknowledge that general audiences would find the accessible recent work more engaging than the technical earlier work
Dr. Kim's atmospheric chemistry research is more methodologically rigorous than her noise pollution studies.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the atmospheric chemistry research is 'more methodologically rigorous'
- This makes an unsupported value judgment about research quality that the passage doesn't establish
- Accessible doesn't mean less rigorous
general audiences are likely to find Dr. Kim's recent accessibility-focused studies more engaging than her earlier technical work.
✓ Correct
- States that general audiences are likely to find the accessibility-focused studies more engaging than the technical work
- This directly follows from the contrast and matches our prethinking perfectly
the urban noise pollution study represents the most accessible of all Dr. Kim's research projects.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims the noise pollution study is 'the most accessible of all Dr. Kim's research projects'
- This makes an absolute comparison we cannot support since we only know about recent vs. earlier work
scientists specializing in atmospheric chemistry typically prefer Dr. Kim's earlier investigations to her recent work.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a claim about what 'scientists specializing in atmospheric chemistry typically prefer'
- This introduces information about other scientists' preferences that has no basis in the passage