Economist Dr. James Morrison has spent decades researching inflation patterns in developing economies. While his data shows some correlation between...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
Economist Dr. James Morrison has spent decades researching inflation patterns in developing economies. While his data shows some correlation between fiscal policy timing and price stability, Morrison remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions: in his latest research summary, he _____ that targeted spending programs might offer advantages over traditional monetary approaches, though more research would be needed to confirm this relationship.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
speculated
demonstrated
proved
established
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Economist Dr. James Morrison has spent decades researching inflation patterns in developing economies.' |
|
| 'While his data shows some correlation between fiscal policy timing and price stability, Morrison remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions:' |
|
| 'in his latest research summary, he _____' |
|
| 'that targeted spending programs might offer advantages over traditional monetary approaches,' |
|
| 'though more research would be needed to confirm this relationship.' |
|
Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Morrison, while finding some promising data about targeted spending programs, maintains a cautious, non-definitive stance about his research conclusions.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Morrison as an experienced researcher, emphasizes his cautious nature regarding conclusions, then presents what appears to be a tentative suggestion about spending programs, followed immediately by a qualification that more research is needed.
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
- From our analysis, we know Morrison 'remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions.' Then the blank is followed by a tentative statement ('might offer advantages') and immediately qualified with 'though more research would be needed.'
- The missing word needs to match this cautious, tentative tone. It should suggest Morrison is proposing an idea or possibility rather than making a definitive claim. The word should align with someone who won't draw firm conclusions but is willing to suggest possibilities based on preliminary findings.
speculated
- 'Speculated' means to form theories or hypotheses without firm evidence
- Perfectly matches Morrison's cautious approach and reluctance to draw definitive conclusions
- Aligns with the tentative language that follows ('might offer advantages') and the immediate qualification about needing more research
- Maintains the careful, provisional tone established throughout the passage
demonstrated
- 'Demonstrated' implies showing clear evidence or proof of something
- Contradicts Morrison's cautious nature and his reluctance to draw definitive conclusions
- Too strong for someone who immediately qualifies his statement with 'more research would be needed'
proved
- 'Proved' indicates definitive establishment of truth
- Completely contradicts the passage's emphasis on Morrison being cautious about conclusions
- Doesn't match the tentative 'might offer advantages' that follows
established
- 'Established' suggests firmly setting up or proving something as fact
- Too definitive for Morrison's cautious character and the qualified nature of his statement
- Inconsistent with the immediate caveat about needing more research