During the early 20th century, scientific research was conducted through two seemingly distinct approaches: laboratory-based experimental work, which ...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
During the early 20th century, scientific research was conducted through two seemingly distinct approaches: laboratory-based experimental work, which emphasized controlled conditions and quantifiable results, and field-based observational studies, which prioritized real-world data collection in natural settings. The emergence of interdisciplinary research programs in the 1940s appeared to bridge these methodologies. According to contemporary researcher Dr. Margaret Chen, however, this apparent innovation merely formalized what had always been true: both experimental and observational scientists were fundamentally engaged in hypothesis testing, differing only in their environments and tools.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To demonstrate that laboratory and field-based scientific approaches share an essential methodological foundation
To provide an overview of scientific research practices during the early 20th century
To argue that interdisciplinary research programs unnecessarily complicated scientific methodology
To question whether observational studies can produce results as reliable as laboratory experiments
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "During the early 20th century, scientific research was conducted through two seemingly distinct approaches:" |
|
| "laboratory-based experimental work, which emphasized controlled conditions and quantifiable results," |
|
| "and field-based observational studies, which prioritized real-world data collection in natural settings." |
|
| "The emergence of interdisciplinary research programs in the 1940s appeared to bridge these methodologies." |
|
| "According to contemporary researcher Dr. Margaret Chen, however, this apparent innovation merely formalized what had always been true:" |
|
| "both experimental and observational scientists were fundamentally engaged in hypothesis testing, differing only in their environments and tools." |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Despite appearing different, laboratory and field-based research approaches have always shared the same fundamental methodology—hypothesis testing.
Argument Flow: The passage starts by presenting two research approaches that seemed distinct, mentions an apparent innovation that bridged them, but then reveals through Dr. Chen's insight that this innovation merely formalized an underlying truth—both approaches were always fundamentally the same in their core methodology.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The overall goal or intention of the entire passage
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures what the author is trying to accomplish
Any limiting keywords? "main purpose" tells us to focus on the central aim, not side points
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage seems designed to show us that what appeared to be two different scientific approaches were actually the same at their core
- Dr. Chen's insight is clearly the key point—she reveals that both experimental and observational research were always fundamentally doing hypothesis testing
- The passage uses the historical context and the 1940s programs to set up this revelation
- So the right answer should capture that the passage is demonstrating the underlying similarity or shared foundation between these two research approaches
To demonstrate that laboratory and field-based scientific approaches share an essential methodological foundation
- This perfectly matches our prethinking—the passage shows that laboratory and field approaches share the essential foundation of hypothesis testing
- Dr. Chen's insight directly supports this: both were "fundamentally engaged in hypothesis testing"
- The entire passage structure builds to this revelation of shared methodology
To provide an overview of scientific research practices during the early 20th century
- While the passage mentions early 20th century practices, this is not the main purpose
- The passage is not trying to give us a comprehensive overview of research practices
- Trap: Students might choose this because the passage does contain historical information, but providing historical context is not the same as having historical overview as the main purpose
To argue that interdisciplinary research programs unnecessarily complicated scientific methodology
- The passage never argues that interdisciplinary programs were unnecessary or complicated things
- Chen says these programs "merely formalized" what was true—this is not criticism, it is clarification
- Trap: Students might misread Chen's "merely formalized" as criticism when it is actually explaining that the programs revealed an existing truth
To question whether observational studies can produce results as reliable as laboratory experiments
- The passage does not question the reliability of observational studies compared to lab experiments
- Both approaches are presented as equally valid forms of hypothesis testing
- There is no comparison of reliability or effectiveness between the methods