While Dr. Martinez favored quantitative research methods that relied heavily on statistical analysis and controlled experiments, Dr. Chen _____ qualit...
GMAT Craft and Structure : (Structure) Questions
While Dr. Martinez favored quantitative research methods that relied heavily on statistical analysis and controlled experiments, Dr. Chen _____ qualitative approaches. For example, Dr. Chen conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork to understand cultural phenomena through participant observation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
championed
questioned
abandoned
documented
I'll solve this step-by-step, following the systematic approach for Words in Context questions.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "While Dr. Martinez favored quantitative research methods that relied heavily on statistical analysis and controlled experiments," |
|
| "Dr. Chen _______ qualitative approaches." |
|
| "For example, Dr. Chen conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork to understand cultural phenomena through participant observation." |
|
Part B: Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: The passage contrasts two researchers' different methodological preferences—Dr. Martinez favors quantitative methods while Dr. Chen has a different relationship with qualitative approaches.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes Dr. Martinez's quantitative preference, then contrasts this with Dr. Chen's relationship to qualitative methods (to be determined by the blank), and supports this with a concrete example of Dr. Chen's ethnographic work.
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 passage starts with "While Dr. Martinez favored quantitative research," which sets up a contrast
- Dr. Chen's relationship with qualitative approaches needs to show this contrast clearly
- The example that follows shows Dr. Chen actively engaging in qualitative research through ethnographic fieldwork, suggesting she has a positive, active relationship with these methods
- So the right answer should show Dr. Chen actively supporting or advocating for qualitative approaches, creating a clear contrast with Dr. Martinez's quantitative preference
championed
✓ Correct
- Creates the perfect contrast with Dr. Martinez's quantitative preference
- Shows Dr. Chen actively supporting qualitative methods
- Matches the example of her conducting extensive ethnographic fieldwork
- The word "championed" indicates strong advocacy, which aligns with her hands-on qualitative research
questioned
✗ Incorrect
- "Questioned" would suggest Dr. Chen doubted qualitative approaches
- This contradicts the example showing her actively conducting qualitative research
abandoned
✗ Incorrect
- "Abandoned" means she gave up on qualitative approaches
- This directly contradicts the example of her conducting ethnographic fieldwork
documented
✗ Incorrect
- "Documented" is too neutral and doesn't create the needed contrast with Dr. Martinez
- While researchers do document approaches, this doesn't show the clear methodological preference the passage is establishing