While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:Psychological researchers have developed different methods to study human behavior...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Psychological researchers have developed different methods to study human behavior in controlled settings.
- Dr. Sarah Chen conducted her 2019 study using laboratory experiments with standardized tasks.
- Her approach allowed precise measurement of reaction times and eliminated environmental variables that could affect results.
- Dr. Marcus Rodriguez conducted his 2020 study using naturalistic observation in real-world settings.
- His method captured authentic behaviors but acknowledged that multiple factors could influence the outcomes.
- Both researchers aimed to understand decision-making processes, though their methodological philosophies differed significantly.
The student wants to contrast Dr. Chen's approach with Dr. Rodriguez's approach. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
While both studied decision-making, Dr. Chen used controlled laboratory experiments with standardized tasks, whereas Dr. Rodriguez employed naturalistic observation in real-world settings.
Dr. Sarah Chen's 2019 laboratory study allowed precise measurement and eliminated environmental variables.
Both Dr. Chen and Dr. Rodriguez aimed to understand human decision-making processes.
Dr. Marcus Rodriguez's 2020 study captured authentic behaviors through naturalistic observation methods.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Psychological researchers have developed different methods to study human behavior in controlled settings.' |
|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen conducted her 2019 study using laboratory experiments with standardized tasks.' |
|
| 'Her approach allowed precise measurement of reaction times and eliminated environmental variables that could affect results.' |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Psychological researchers use different methodological approaches to study decision-making, with some preferring controlled laboratory settings and others favoring naturalistic real-world observation.
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 must mention both researchers and show how their approaches differ
- Specifically, it should capture that Chen used controlled laboratory experiments while Rodriguez used naturalistic observation in real-world settings
While both studied decision-making, Dr. Chen used controlled laboratory experiments with standardized tasks, whereas Dr. Rodriguez employed naturalistic observation in real-world settings.
✓ Correct
- Correct - mentions both researchers and directly contrasts their approaches, showing Chen used controlled laboratory experiments versus Rodriguez using naturalistic observation
Dr. Sarah Chen's 2019 laboratory study allowed precise measurement and eliminated environmental variables.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - only discusses Dr. Chen's approach, provides no information about Rodriguez for comparison
Both Dr. Chen and Dr. Rodriguez aimed to understand human decision-making processes.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - focuses on what both researchers have in common rather than their differences
Dr. Marcus Rodriguez's 2020 study captured authentic behaviors through naturalistic observation methods.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - only discusses Dr. Rodriguez's approach, provides no information about Chen for comparison