Marie Curie's groundbreaking research on radioactivity evolved through distinct phases during her career at the Sorbonne in the early 1900s....
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Marie Curie's groundbreaking research on radioactivity evolved through distinct phases during her career at the Sorbonne in the early 1900s. Initially focused on measuring electrical conductivity in uranium compounds, her investigations gradually expanded to include other radioactive elements like thorium and radium. Her methodical approach—systematically testing materials and precisely measuring radiation levels—enabled her to identify previously unknown radioactive properties. The progression from initial observations to comprehensive theory establishment demonstrates how sustained scientific inquiry can reveal fundamental natural phenomena.
What does the text most strongly suggest about Curie's research methodology?
Her systematic progression from specific observations to broader theoretical insights would likely have been impossible without sustained, methodical investigation.
Scientists studying radioactivity today likely use measurement techniques that are superior to those Curie developed.
Curie's focus on electrical conductivity likely prevented her from making discoveries about other radioactive properties sooner.
The research environment at the Sorbonne likely provided Curie with resources unavailable at other institutions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Marie Curie's groundbreaking research on radioactivity evolved through distinct phases during her career at the Sorbonne in the early 1900s.' |
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| 'Initially focused on measuring electrical conductivity in uranium compounds, her investigations gradually expanded to include other radioactive elements like thorium and radium.' |
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| 'Her methodical approach—systematically testing materials and precisely measuring radiation levels—enabled her to identify previously unknown radioactive properties.' |
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| 'The progression from initial observations to comprehensive theory establishment demonstrates how sustained scientific inquiry can reveal fundamental natural phenomena.' |
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Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Marie Curie's systematic, sustained approach to investigating radioactivity—progressing methodically from specific observations to broader discoveries—exemplifies how persistent scientific inquiry can reveal fundamental natural phenomena.
Argument Flow: The passage traces Curie's research evolution from its initial narrow focus on uranium to its expansion across multiple radioactive elements. It then highlights how her methodical, systematic approach enabled significant discoveries, ultimately positioning her work as a model for how sustained scientific investigation can uncover fundamental truths about nature.
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 passage emphasizes several key aspects of Curie's methodology: it was systematic and methodical, it progressed from specific observations to broader discoveries, and it involved sustained inquiry over time
- The passage specifically connects her methodical approach to her ability to make discoveries, and then generalizes this as an example of how sustained scientific inquiry reveals fundamental phenomena
- So the right answer should recognize that Curie's systematic, sustained approach was essential to her progression from initial observations to comprehensive theoretical understanding
Her systematic progression from specific observations to broader theoretical insights would likely have been impossible without sustained, methodical investigation.
✓ Correct
- This directly matches what the passage demonstrates—Curie's work progressed from 'initial observations to comprehensive theory establishment'
- The passage explicitly states her 'methodical approach' enabled discoveries and concludes that 'sustained scientific inquiry' reveals fundamental phenomena
- This captures the essential connection the passage makes between systematic methodology and major scientific breakthroughs
Scientists studying radioactivity today likely use measurement techniques that are superior to those Curie developed.
✗ Incorrect
- This makes a comparison between current and historical techniques that the passage never addresses
- The passage focuses on Curie's methodology and its effectiveness, not on how modern techniques compare to hers
Curie's focus on electrical conductivity likely prevented her from making discoveries about other radioactive properties sooner.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage actually shows the opposite—her initial electrical conductivity focus was the starting point that led her to expand to other elements
- There's no suggestion that this focus 'prevented' discoveries; rather, it was part of her systematic progression
The research environment at the Sorbonne likely provided Curie with resources unavailable at other institutions.
✗ Incorrect
- While the passage mentions she worked at the Sorbonne, it makes no claims about the resources there compared to other institutions
- The focus is entirely on her methodology, not on institutional advantages