Research on workplace dynamics shows that Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a behavioral psychologist, consistently observed that employees displayed positive emot...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Research on workplace dynamics shows that Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a behavioral psychologist, consistently observed that employees displayed positive emotional indicators even during demanding task periods. Her field notes demonstrate this pattern when she documents her observations of a busy restaurant server, _______
Which entry from Dr. Rodriguez's field notes most effectively illustrates the claim?
"Subject appeared frustrated with multiple table requests and mentioned considering other employment."
"When asked about job satisfaction, subject indicated that peak hours were the most challenging aspect."
"Despite carrying six plates and managing four table orders simultaneously, subject smiled genuinely and moved with energetic, rhythmic steps."
"Subject efficiently organized the serving area and demonstrated familiarity with restaurant protocols."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Research on workplace dynamics shows that Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a behavioral psychologist, consistently observed that employees displayed positive emotional indicators even during demanding task periods." |
|
| "Her field notes demonstrate this pattern when she documents her observations of a busy restaurant server" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Dr. Rodriguez's research found that employees maintain positive emotional indicators even when work becomes demanding, and her field notes on a restaurant server demonstrate this pattern.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a research finding about employee behavior during challenging work periods, then sets up that field notes will provide concrete evidence of this pattern through observations of a specific restaurant server.
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 field note entry must show two things happening at the same time
- The restaurant server facing demanding, challenging work conditions
- The server displaying clear positive emotional indicators despite those challenges
- We need evidence that directly connects positive emotions with demanding circumstances
"Subject appeared frustrated with multiple table requests and mentioned considering other employment."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows frustration and job dissatisfaction during demanding work
- This contradicts the claim rather than supporting it - demonstrates negative emotional indicators
"When asked about job satisfaction, subject indicated that peak hours were the most challenging aspect."
✗ Incorrect
- Server identifies peak hours as challenging but doesn't show positive emotions during those demanding periods
- Describes the difficulty without demonstrating positive emotional indicators during that difficulty
"Despite carrying six plates and managing four table orders simultaneously, subject smiled genuinely and moved with energetic, rhythmic steps."
✓ Correct
- Perfectly demonstrates demanding work conditions while showing clear positive emotional indicators during this demanding period
- Directly illustrates the research claim by showing positive emotions occurring precisely during challenging work circumstances
"Subject efficiently organized the serving area and demonstrated familiarity with restaurant protocols."
✗ Incorrect
- Shows competence and organization but lacks emotional indicators
- Demonstrates efficiency without revealing the server's emotional state