In a scholarly publication, a researcher denounces peers in her discipline, contending that they have treated quantum entanglement predominantly as...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In a scholarly publication, a researcher denounces peers in her discipline, contending that they have treated quantum entanglement predominantly as a purely conceptual theoretical framework instead of exploring its quantifiable empirical characteristics.
Which excerpt from an academic study would most effectively illustrate the researcher's critique?
"Quantum entanglement poses considerable obstacles for experimental confirmation given the accuracy demanded by measurement procedures."
"The theoretical sophistication of entanglement mathematics takes precedence over empirical research needs; this phenomenon should be studied primarily as an intellectual construct."
"Modern developments in quantum computing have created fresh opportunities for applying entanglement concepts in practical settings."
"How entanglement experiments should be understood continues to generate controversy, with multiple competing theoretical frameworks currently being debated."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a scholarly publication, a researcher denounces peers in her discipline," |
|
| "contending that they have treated quantum entanglement predominantly as a purely conceptual theoretical framework" |
|
| "instead of exploring its quantifiable empirical characteristics." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A researcher criticizes her colleagues for focusing too much on theoretical aspects of quantum entanglement rather than studying its measurable, experimental properties.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a researcher's critique in two parts: first identifying what she sees as the problem (peers treating quantum entanglement as purely theoretical), then contrasting this with what she believes they should be doing (exploring empirical characteristics).
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 researcher's critique has two key components: her peers are focusing too much on theoretical/conceptual aspects of quantum entanglement, and they're not doing enough empirical/experimental work
- So the right answer should show someone prioritizing theory over empirical research, or suggesting that quantum entanglement should be studied primarily as a conceptual framework rather than through measurable experiments
"Quantum entanglement poses considerable obstacles for experimental confirmation given the accuracy demanded by measurement procedures."
✗ Incorrect
- This acknowledges experimental challenges but doesn't prioritize theory over empirical work
- It actually suggests that empirical work is valuable, just difficult
"The theoretical sophistication of entanglement mathematics takes precedence over empirical research needs; this phenomenon should be studied primarily as an intellectual construct."
✓ Correct
- States that theoretical sophistication takes precedence over empirical research needs and that the phenomenon should be studied primarily as an intellectual construct
- This perfectly matches the researcher's complaint about treating quantum entanglement as purely conceptual theoretical framework instead of exploring empirical characteristics
"Modern developments in quantum computing have created fresh opportunities for applying entanglement concepts in practical settings."
✗ Incorrect
- Discusses practical applications in quantum computing
- This actually suggests moving toward practical/applied work rather than staying purely theoretical
"How entanglement experiments should be understood continues to generate controversy, with multiple competing theoretical frameworks currently being debated."
✗ Incorrect
- Discusses competing theoretical frameworks and controversy
- While it mentions theory, it doesn't prioritize theory over empirical work