While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:In 2019, Dr. Sarah Chen conducted an 18-month longitudinal study...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- In 2019, Dr. Sarah Chen conducted an 18-month longitudinal study examining coral bleaching patterns in reef ecosystems.
- Her 2021 research involved 24-month longitudinal tracking to analyze fish population recovery following environmental disturbances.
- Dr. Chen, a marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecosystems, has developed a reputation for employing longitudinal observation methods throughout her research program.
- Publications featuring her work have appeared in scientific journals across North America, Europe, and Australia.
The student wants to emphasize a methodological similarity between the two studies. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
Both Chen's bleaching study and her population recovery research demonstrate longitudinal observation methods: the bleaching study tracked changes over 18 months, while the recovery study followed populations for 24 months.
Chen's research, which often employs longitudinal observation methods, has been published in journals across multiple continents.
Chen's 2019 bleaching study used 18-month data collection; her 2021 recovery study, however, involved 24-month tracking periods.
Chen completed her bleaching study in 2019 and her population recovery study in 2021.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In 2019, Dr. Sarah Chen conducted an 18-month longitudinal study examining coral bleaching patterns in reef ecosystems." |
|
| "Her 2021 research involved 24-month longitudinal tracking to analyze fish population recovery following environmental disturbances." |
|
| "Dr. Chen, a marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecosystems, has developed a reputation for employing longitudinal observation methods throughout her research program." |
|
| "Publications featuring her work have appeared in scientific journals across North America, Europe, and Australia." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Sarah Chen is a marine biologist known for conducting longitudinal research studies on coral reef ecosystems, with her work achieving international recognition.
Argument Flow: The notes present two specific longitudinal research projects Chen conducted on different aspects of reef ecosystems, then provide context about her reputation for this methodology and the international scope of her published work.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The student wants to emphasize a methodological similarity between Chen's two studies.
What type of answer do we need? A statement that highlights the shared research approach/method used in both studies.
Any limiting keywords? "methodological similarity" is crucial - we need to focus specifically on research methods, not just any similarity. "Between the two studies" specifies we're comparing the 2019 coral bleaching study and the 2021 fish recovery study.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at our analysis, both the 2019 coral bleaching study and the 2021 fish recovery study used longitudinal observation methods - one tracking changes over 18 months, the other following populations for 24 months. This is the clear methodological similarity between them.
- The right answer should:
- Explicitly mention both studies
- Identify longitudinal observation/tracking as the shared methodology
- Possibly include the specific timeframes to demonstrate this methodological connection
Both Chen's bleaching study and her population recovery research demonstrate longitudinal observation methods: the bleaching study tracked changes over 18 months, while the recovery study followed populations for 24 months.
✓ Correct
- Explicitly identifies that both studies "demonstrate longitudinal observation methods" and provides specific supporting details: bleaching study tracked for 18 months, recovery study followed for 24 months. Directly addresses the goal by emphasizing the methodological connection.
Chen's research, which often employs longitudinal observation methods, has been published in journals across multiple continents.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions longitudinal methods generally but doesn't connect the two specific studies. Shifts focus to publication reach across continents rather than methodological similarity.
Chen's 2019 bleaching study used 18-month data collection; her 2021 recovery study, however, involved 24-month tracking periods.
✗ Incorrect
- Mentions both studies and their timeframes correctly but uses "however" which emphasizes the difference in duration rather than the methodological similarity.
Chen completed her bleaching study in 2019 and her population recovery study in 2021.
✗ Incorrect
- Only provides completion dates without any methodological information. Completely ignores the longitudinal research methods that both studies share.