Environmental scientist Dr. Maria Santos led a study examining whether urban air quality measurements can predict public health outcomes in...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Environmental scientist Dr. Maria Santos led a study examining whether urban air quality measurements can predict public health outcomes in metropolitan areas. Her team analyzed both standard pollution indices and a newly developed metric called particulate density—the concentration of fine particles suspended in the atmosphere over specific time periods. To quantify particulate density, the researchers created a comprehensive scoring system for different neighborhoods. Following publication of this research, a policy analyst argues that particulate density levels bear no relationship to community health indicators.
Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the policy analyst's argument?
Neighborhoods with the lowest particulate density scores had significantly higher standard pollution index readings.
Most metropolitan areas examined in the study showed moderate levels of particulate density across all neighborhoods.
Areas with higher particulate density measurements experienced increased rates of respiratory illness among residents.
Communities with the highest standard pollution indices typically had worse overall health outcomes.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Environmental scientist Dr. Maria Santos led a study examining whether urban air quality measurements can predict public health outcomes in metropolitan areas. |
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| Her team analyzed both standard pollution indices and a newly developed metric called particulate density—the concentration of fine particles suspended in the atmosphere over specific time periods. |
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| To quantify particulate density, the researchers created a comprehensive scoring system for different neighborhoods. |
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| Following publication of this research, a policy analyst argues that particulate density levels bear no relationship to community health indicators. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Santos developed a new air quality metric called particulate density to study health outcomes, but a policy analyst disputes its relevance to community health.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Santos's research into predicting health outcomes from air quality measurements. It explains her team's methodology using both standard and new metrics, with particular focus on the newly developed particulate density measurement system. The passage concludes by introducing opposition from a policy analyst who rejects any connection between this new metric and health indicators.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
- What's being asked? Which finding would most directly weaken the policy analyst's argument
- What type of answer do we need? Evidence that contradicts the analyst's claim
- Any limiting keywords? most directly weaken - need strongest contradiction
The policy analyst argues there's NO relationship between particulate density and health. To weaken this, we need evidence showing there IS a relationship.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The policy analyst claims particulate density has no relationship to community health indicators
- To weaken this argument, we need evidence that shows particulate density IS related to health outcomes
- Evidence that demonstrates a clear connection between higher or lower particulate density and health effects
- Evidence that directly contradicts the no relationship claim
Neighborhoods with the lowest particulate density scores had significantly higher standard pollution index readings.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows relationship between particulate density and standard pollution indices but doesn't address the relationship between particulate density and health outcomes
Most metropolitan areas examined in the study showed moderate levels of particulate density across all neighborhoods.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows that particulate density levels were moderate across neighborhoods but provides no information about health outcomes or relationships
Areas with higher particulate density measurements experienced increased rates of respiratory illness among residents.
✓ Correct
- Directly shows that higher particulate density correlates with increased respiratory illness
- This is exactly what the analyst claims doesn't exist - a relationship between particulate density and health indicators
Communities with the highest standard pollution indices typically had worse overall health outcomes.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows relationship between standard pollution indices and health outcomes but doesn't involve particulate density at all