The following text is from a research methodology textbook discussing experimental design approaches.Traditional experimental methods, though comprehe...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
The following text is from a research methodology textbook discussing experimental design approaches.
Traditional experimental methods, though comprehensive and systematic, often failed to capture the dynamic nature of real-world phenomena. More flexible approaches-variable, unpredictable, and accommodating as they seemed to critics-lacked the rigid precision that researchers had traditionally valued.
As used in the text, what does the word "accommodating" most nearly mean?
Adjustable
Hospitable
Generous
Spacious
Looking at this Words in Context question, I'll work through the systematic process to find what "accommodating" means in this specific context.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Traditional experimental methods, though comprehensive and systematic, often failed to capture the dynamic nature of real-world phenomena." |
|
| "More flexible approaches—variable, unpredictable, and accommodating as they seemed to critics—lacked the rigid precision that researchers had traditionally valued." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
TRADITIONAL METHODS
- Strengths: comprehensive, systematic
- Weakness: failed to capture real-world dynamics
leads to
ALTERNATIVE: FLEXIBLE APPROACHES
- Characteristics: variable, unpredictable, accommodating
- Weakness: lacked rigid precision valued by researchers
Main Point: The passage contrasts traditional rigid experimental methods with more flexible approaches, showing how each has distinct strengths and limitations.
Argument Flow: We start with traditional methods and their key limitation, then pivot to describe flexible alternatives that address the first problem but create a different concern about precision.
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
- Looking at our passage analysis, "accommodating" appears in a series with "variable" and "unpredictable"—all describing flexible approaches
- The context shows these approaches could adapt and adjust to different situations, which is exactly why they seemed flexible to critics but lacked the "rigid precision" that traditional researchers valued
- The word needs to fit with the theme of flexibility and adaptability
- It should describe something that can change or adjust to meet different needs or circumstances
- So the right answer should mean "adjustable" or "adaptable"—something that can accommodate different situations by changing to fit them
Adjustable
✓ Correct
- "Adjustable" perfectly captures the meaning of being able to adapt or modify to fit different circumstances
- This aligns with the flexible, adaptable nature of these research approaches that could change to accommodate real-world complexity
- Fits seamlessly with "variable" and "unpredictable" in describing approaches that could adjust rather than stay rigid
Hospitable
✗ Incorrect
- "Hospitable" means welcoming or friendly to guests
- This meaning about being a good host doesn't connect to the research methodology context
- What trap this represents: Students might choose this because "accommodating" can mean hospitable in social contexts, but that meaning doesn't fit research methods
Generous
✗ Incorrect
- "Generous" means giving freely or being liberal with resources
- Nothing in the passage suggests these research approaches were about giving or generosity
- This meaning doesn't align with the flexibility theme established by "variable" and "unpredictable"
Spacious
✗ Incorrect
- "Spacious" means having plenty of room or space
- This physical meaning has no connection to research methodology characteristics
- The passage is about methodological flexibility, not physical dimensions