Early psychological research relied heavily on case studies and observational methods to understand human behavior. Modern researchers have developed ...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Early psychological research relied heavily on case studies and observational methods to understand human behavior. Modern researchers have developed sophisticated statistical techniques and experimental designs that build upon these foundational approaches. Contemporary psychology now integrates traditional observation with quantitative analysis to provide more comprehensive insights into human cognition.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Statistical techniques have completely replaced observational methods in psychology research.
Case studies and observational methods are no longer useful in modern psychological research.
Modern psychological research combines traditional observational approaches with newer quantitative methods for better understanding.
Experimental designs are more reliable than the observational methods used by early researchers.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Early psychological research relied heavily on case studies and observational methods to understand human behavior." |
|
| "Modern researchers have developed sophisticated statistical techniques and experimental designs that build upon these foundational approaches." |
|
| "Contemporary psychology now integrates traditional observation with quantitative analysis to provide more comprehensive insights into human cognition." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Modern psychological research enhances understanding by combining traditional observational methods with newer quantitative techniques rather than replacing the old approaches entirely.
Argument Flow: The passage traces an evolution where early psychological research established observational foundations, modern researchers developed additional statistical tools that build on these foundations, and contemporary psychology now successfully integrates both approaches for more comprehensive insights.
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 correct answer must capture that psychological research has evolved by combining approaches rather than replacing old with new
- The passage emphasizes integration and building upon foundations, not replacement
Statistical techniques have completely replaced observational methods in psychology research.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims statistical techniques "completely replaced" observational methods
- Contradicts the passage's emphasis on building upon foundational approaches
Case studies and observational methods are no longer useful in modern psychological research.
✗ Incorrect
- States that case studies and observational methods "are no longer useful"
- Directly contradicts the passage's emphasis on integration
Modern psychological research combines traditional observational approaches with newer quantitative methods for better understanding.
✓ Correct
- Accurately captures that modern research "combines traditional observational approaches with newer quantitative methods"
- Matches the passage's integration theme
Experimental designs are more reliable than the observational methods used by early researchers.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a reliability comparison between methods that the passage doesn't discuss