In the early 1990s, software users frequently experienced interface confusion and task failure when navigating complex computer programs. Common probl...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
In the early 1990s, software users frequently experienced interface confusion and task failure when navigating complex computer programs. Common problems included users getting lost in deep menu hierarchies, abandoning tasks due to cognitive overload, and making errors when presented with too many simultaneous choices. In response to these widespread usability issues, software developer Alan Cooper developed his influential 1995 interface design system, which addressed user difficulties through simplified menu structures, progressive information disclosure, and strategic grouping of related functions. Technology historians note that Cooper's systematic approach to solving interface problems became a foundational model for user-centered design principles.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?
The text chronicles the evolution of cognitive science research and then examines how that research shaped early software development methodologies.
The text identifies problems with early software interfaces and then describes a systematic solution that addressed those problems.
The text compares competing theories about cognitive limitations and then analyzes which theory proved most influential in interface design.
The text outlines the technical features that characterize effective user interfaces and then explains the psychological concepts that inform optimal software architecture.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In the early 1990s, software users frequently experienced interface confusion and task failure when navigating complex computer programs." |
|
| "Common problems included users getting lost in deep menu hierarchies, abandoning tasks due to cognitive overload, and making errors when presented with too many simultaneous choices." |
|
| "In response to these widespread usability issues, software developer Alan Cooper developed his influential 1995 interface design system, which addressed user difficulties through simplified menu structures, progressive information disclosure, and strategic grouping of related functions." |
|
| "Technology historians note that Cooper's systematic approach to solving interface problems became a foundational model for user-centered design principles." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Alan Cooper developed a systematic approach to solving early software interface problems that became foundational for user-centered design.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes that early 1990s software had serious usability problems, then describes how Alan Cooper created a systematic design solution to address these specific issues, and concludes by noting the historical importance of his approach.
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 correct answer should capture that the passage follows a clear problem-to-solution structure
- It starts by identifying specific problems with early software interfaces
- Then describes how Cooper developed a systematic solution to address exactly those problems
- Finally explains the broader impact of his approach
The text chronicles the evolution of cognitive science research and then examines how that research shaped early software development methodologies.
- Says the text chronicles cognitive science research evolution and examines how it shaped software development methodologies
- Wrong because the passage doesn't discuss cognitive science research or development methodologies
The text identifies problems with early software interfaces and then describes a systematic solution that addressed those problems.
- Says the text identifies problems with early software interfaces and describes a systematic solution that addressed those problems
- This perfectly matches our analysis of the problem-to-solution structure
The text compares competing theories about cognitive limitations and then analyzes which theory proved most influential in interface design.
- Says the text compares competing theories about cognitive limitations
- Wrong because there are no competing theories discussed
The text outlines the technical features that characterize effective user interfaces and then explains the psychological concepts that inform optimal software architecture.
- Says the text outlines technical features of effective interfaces and explains psychological concepts
- Wrong because the passage describes specific historical problems and one specific solution, not general principles