During the course of academic research, a student compiled these notes: Mixed-methods research integrates both quantitative and qualitative approache...
GMAT Expression of Ideas : (Expression) Questions
During the course of academic research, a student compiled these notes:
The student seeks to include a quotation from Chen that clarifies why she utilized mixed-methods in 'Understanding Burnout.' Which option most effectively employs relevant information from the notes to achieve this objective?
Mixed-methods research, the methodology employed in Chen's 'Understanding Burnout,' integrates quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques.
In 'Understanding Burnout,' Chen utilized mixed-methods to accomplish what she characterized as capturing 'both the breadth and depth of human behavior' within healthcare workers' stress patterns.
'Understanding Burnout' explores Chen's emphasis on workplace stress, which she perceives as a 'critical yet underexplored factor in employee wellbeing.'
In her research, Chen employs a methodology that she states involves 'triangulating numerical data with narrative insights.'
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Mixed-methods research integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data gathering.' |
|
| 'Dr. Sarah Chen, a behavioral psychologist, employs mixed-methods approaches in her research.' |
|
| 'Through triangulating numerical data with narrative insights, we can capture both the breadth and depth of human behavior,' she explains regarding mixed-methods research.' |
|
| 'Her studies frequently focus on workplace stress, which she views as a 'critical yet underexplored factor in employee wellbeing.'' |
|
| 'Her mixed-methods research 'Understanding Burnout' (2023) examined stress patterns among healthcare workers during shift transitions.' |
|
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
- Chen provides a clear quotation explaining her reasoning for mixed-methods: she wants to capture 'both the breadth and depth of human behavior' through 'triangulating numerical data with narrative insights.'
- The correct answer must connect this quoted reasoning directly to her 'Understanding Burnout' study.
Mixed-methods research, the methodology employed in Chen's 'Understanding Burnout,' integrates quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques.
- Simply defines what mixed-methods research is without including any quotation from Chen
- Doesn't provide Chen's reasoning for why she chose this methodology
In 'Understanding Burnout,' Chen utilized mixed-methods to accomplish what she characterized as capturing 'both the breadth and depth of human behavior' within healthcare workers' stress patterns.
- Includes Chen's key quotation about capturing 'both the breadth and depth of human behavior'
- Clearly connects this reasoning to her specific study 'Understanding Burnout'
- Effectively demonstrates why she used mixed-methods for studying healthcare workers' stress patterns
'Understanding Burnout' explores Chen's emphasis on workplace stress, which she perceives as a 'critical yet underexplored factor in employee wellbeing.'
- Includes a quote about workplace stress being 'critical yet underexplored' but this doesn't explain her methodology choice
- Focuses on her research topic rather than her reasoning for using mixed-methods
In her research, Chen employs a methodology that she states involves 'triangulating numerical data with narrative insights.'
- Includes Chen's quote about 'triangulating numerical data with narrative insights' which does explain her mixed-methods approach
- Doesn't connect this reasoning to the 'Understanding Burnout' study specifically