Studies by materials scientists have established that increasing mineral content in archaeological sites correlates with decreased precision in radioc...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Studies by materials scientists have established that increasing mineral content in archaeological sites correlates with decreased precision in radiocarbon dating of artifacts. A research team has therefore proposed that there exists a specific threshold—sites with mineral content above 15%—beyond which radiocarbon dating becomes unreliable for establishing accurate chronologies.
Which finding, if true, would most directly support this research team's proposal?
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that specimens from sites with \(12\%\) mineral content showed reliable age estimates in most samples tested.
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that specimens from sites with mineral content above \(15\%\) consistently produced unreliable chronological data, while those from sites with \(14\%\) mineral content or less yielded accurate results.
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that certain specimens from sites with \(18\%\) mineral content showed reliable age estimates despite the high mineral levels.
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that specimens from sites with various mineral content levels all produced similarly unreliable chronological results.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Studies by materials scientists have established that increasing mineral content in archaeological sites correlates with decreased precision in radiocarbon dating of artifacts. |
|
| A research team has therefore proposed that there exists a specific threshold—sites with mineral content above \(15\%\)—beyond which radiocarbon dating becomes unreliable for establishing accurate chronologies. |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A research team proposes that archaeological sites with mineral content above \(15\%\) make radiocarbon dating unreliable.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from general scientific knowledge (mineral content affects dating precision) to a specific proposal (\(15\%\) threshold for reliability).
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 research team's proposal has two parts: sites above \(15\%\) mineral content are unreliable, and (by implication) sites at or below \(15\%\) are reliable
- So the right answer should show that sites above \(15\%\) mineral content produce unreliable dating results and that sites at or below \(15\%\) produce reliable results
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that specimens from sites with \(12\%\) mineral content showed reliable age estimates in most samples tested.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows that 12% mineral content (below the threshold) produces reliable results
- While this supports one side of the proposal, it doesn't test the crucial 15% threshold or show what happens above it
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that specimens from sites with mineral content above \(15\%\) consistently produced unreliable chronological data, while those from sites with \(14\%\) mineral content or less yielded accurate results.
✓ Correct
- Shows sites above 15% consistently produce unreliable results while sites at 14% or below produce accurate results
- This directly tests and confirms the exact 15% threshold proposed by the research team
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that certain specimens from sites with \(18\%\) mineral content showed reliable age estimates despite the high mineral levels.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows that some sites with 18% mineral content (well above the threshold) still produce reliable dating
- This directly contradicts the research team's proposal
An analysis of ancient pottery fragments revealed that specimens from sites with various mineral content levels all produced similarly unreliable chronological results.
✗ Incorrect
- Shows all sites produce unreliable results regardless of mineral content
- This contradicts the proposal by suggesting mineral content doesn't matter for reliability