In a study of new technology adoption, Davit Marikyan et al. examined negative disconfirmation (which occurs when experiences fall short...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In a study of new technology adoption, Davit Marikyan et al. examined negative disconfirmation (which occurs when experiences fall short of one's expectations) to determine whether it could lead to positive outcomes for users. The team focused on established users of 'smart home' technology, which presents inherent utilization challenges but tends to attract users with high expectations, often leading to feelings of dissonance. The researchers found that many users employed cognitive mechanisms to mitigate those feelings, ultimately reversing their initial sense of disappointment.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
Research suggests that most users of smart home technology will not achieve a feeling of satisfaction given the utilization challenges of such technology.
Although most smart home technology is aimed at meeting or exceeding users' high expectations, those expectations in general remain poorly understood.
Research suggests that users with high expectations for a new technology can feel content with that technology even after experiencing negative disconfirmation.
Although negative disconfirmation has often been studied, little is known about the cognitive mechanisms shaping users' reactions to it in the context of new technology adoption.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a study of new technology adoption, Davit Marikyan et al. examined negative disconfirmation (which occurs when experiences fall short of one's expectations) to determine whether it could lead to positive outcomes for users." |
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| "The team focused on established users of 'smart home' technology, which presents inherent utilization challenges but tends to attract users with high expectations, often leading to feelings of dissonance." |
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| "The researchers found that many users employed cognitive mechanisms to mitigate those feelings, ultimately reversing their initial sense of disappointment." |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Research on smart home technology found that users can overcome initial disappointment through cognitive mechanisms, turning negative experiences into positive outcomes.
Argument Flow: The passage introduces a research question about whether negative disconfirmation can lead to positive outcomes, explains why smart home technology was a good context to study this (high expectations meet utilization challenges), and presents the finding that users do indeed employ cognitive strategies to reverse their initial disappointment.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The main idea of the entire text
What type of answer do we need? A statement that captures the central message of the research
Any limiting keywords? "main idea" - we need the overarching point, not a detail
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer should capture that this research found users can overcome negative experiences with technology through cognitive mechanisms
- It should mention both the initial negative disconfirmation (disappointment when expectations aren't met) and the positive outcome (users finding ways to feel satisfied despite this)
- The answer should be about what the research discovered, not just what it studied
Research suggests that most users of smart home technology will not achieve a feeling of satisfaction given the utilization challenges of such technology.
- Claims most users won't achieve satisfaction due to utilization challenges
- This contradicts the research findings, which showed users do find ways to reverse their disappointment
- What trap this represents: Focusing on the challenges mentioned but missing that the study found users overcome them
Although most smart home technology is aimed at meeting or exceeding users' high expectations, those expectations in general remain poorly understood.
- Claims expectations remain poorly understood
- The passage doesn't discuss whether expectations are understood or not - it focuses on what happens when they're not met
- This choice misses the actual research findings entirely
Research suggests that users with high expectations for a new technology can feel content with that technology even after experiencing negative disconfirmation.
- States that users with high expectations can feel content despite negative disconfirmation
- This directly matches our analysis - users experience disappointment but then employ cognitive mechanisms to reverse it
- Captures both the initial negative experience and the ultimate positive outcome the research discovered
Although negative disconfirmation has often been studied, little is known about the cognitive mechanisms shaping users' reactions to it in the context of new technology adoption.
- Claims little is known about cognitive mechanisms in this context
- But the study actually provided findings about these mechanisms - that users do employ them successfully
- What trap this represents: Focusing on what was studied rather than what was discovered