One of the more striking developments in modern North American dance w

Question

One of the more striking developments in modern
North American dance was African American
choreographer Katherine Dunham’s introduction of a
technique known as dance-isolation, in which one part
  (5)   of the body moves in one rhythm while other parts are
kept stationary or are moved in different rhythms.
The incorporation of this technique into North American
and European choreography is relatively recent,
although various forms of the technique have long
  (10)   been essential to traditional dances of certain African,
Caribbean, and Pacific-island cultures. Dunham’s
success in bringing dance-isolation and other
traditional techniques from those cultures into the
mainstream of modern North American dance is due
  (15)   in no small part to her training in both anthropological
research and choreography.

As an anthropologist in the 1930s, Dunham was
one of the pioneers in the field of dance ethnology.
Previously, dance had been neglected as an area of social
  (20)   research, primarily because most social scientists
gravitated toward areas likely to be recognized by
their peers as befitting scientifically rigorous, and
therefore legitimate, modes of inquiry. Moreover, no
other social scientist at that time was sufficiently
  (25)   trained in dance to be able to understand dance
techniques, while experts in dance were not trained
in the methods of social research.

Starting in 1935, Dunham conducted a series of
research projects into traditional Caribbean dance
  (30)   forms, with special interest in their origins in African
culture. Especially critical to her success was her
approach to research, which diverged radically from
the methodology that prevailed at the time. Colleagues
in anthropology advised her not to become too closely
  (35)   involved in the dances she was observing, both
because of the extreme physical demands of the dances,
and because they subscribed to the long-standing view,
now fortunately recognized as unrealistic, that
effective data gathering can and must be conducted
  (40)   from a position of complete detachment. But because
of her interest and her skill as a performer, she
generally eschewed such caution and participated in
the dances herself. Through prolonged immersion of
this kind, Dunham was able not only to comprehend
  (45)   various dances as complex cultural practices, but also
to learn the techniques well enough to teach them to
others and incorporate them into new forms of ballet.

Between 1937 and 1945, Dunham developed a
research-to-performance method that she used to adapt
  (50)   Caribbean dance forms for use in theatrical perfor-
mance, combining them with modern dance styles she lear-
ned in Chicago. The ballets she created in this fashion
were among the first North American dances to rectify
the exclusion of African American themes from the
  (55)   medium of modern dance. Her work was thus crucial
in establishing African American dance as an art form
in its own right, making possible future companies
such as Arthur Mitchell’s Dance Theater of Harlem.    1 
 1. Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?

(A) Katherine Dunham transformed the field of anthropology by developing innovative research methodologies for studying Caribbean and other traditional dance styles and connecting them with African American dance.
(B) Katherine Dunham’s ballets were distinct from others produced in North America in that they incorporated authentic dance techniques from traditional cultures.
(C) Katherine Dunham’s expertise as an anthropologist allowed her to use Caribbean and African dance traditions to express the aesthetic and political concerns of African American dancers and choreographers.
(D) The innovative research methods of Katherine Dunham made possible her discovery that the dance traditions of the Caribbean were derived from earlier African dance traditions.
(E) Katherine Dunham’s anthropological and choreographic expertise enabled her to make contributions that altered the landscape of modern dance in North America.

2 
 2. According to the passage, Dunham’s work in anthropology differed from that of most other anthropologists in the 1930s in that Dunham

(A) performed fieldwork for a very extended time period
(B) related the traditions she studied to those of her own culture
(C) employed a participative approach in performing research
(D) attached a high degree of political significance to her research
(E) had prior familiarity with the cultural practices of the peoples she set out to study

3 
 3. The passage suggests that the “peers” mentioned in line 22 would have been most likely to agree with which one of the following statements about the study of dance?

(A) Most social scientists who have attempted to study dance as a cultural phenomenon have misinterpreted it.
(B) Social scientists need not be well versed in dance traditions in order to obtain reliable data about them.
(C) Research into dance as a cultural form cannot be conducted with a high degree of scientific precision.
(D) Most experts in the field of dance are too preoccupied to conduct studies in the field of dance ethnology.
(E) Dance forms are too variable across cultures to permit rigorous means of data collection.

4 
 4. In the last sentence of the second paragraph, the author mentions “experts in dance” primarily in order to

(A) suggest why a group of social scientists did not embrace the study of a particular cultural form
(B) suggest that a certain group was more qualified to study a particular cultural form than was another group
(C) identify an additional factor that motivated a particular social scientist to pursue a specific new line of research
(D) contribute to an explanation of why a particular field of research was not previously pursued 
(E) indicate an additional possible reason for the tension between the members of two distinct fields of research

5 
 5. According to the passage, which one of the following was true of the dance forms that Dunham began studying in 1935?

(A) They were more similar to dance forms used in Pacific-island cultures than to any other known dance forms.
(B) They represented the first use of the technique of dance-isolation within a culture outside of Africa.
(C) They shared certain rhythmic characteristics with the dance forms employed in North American ballets.
(D) They had already influenced certain popular dances in North America.
(E) They were influenced by the traditions of nonCaribbean cultures.

6 
 6. Which one of the following is most analogous to Dunham’s work in anthropology and choreography as that work is described in the passage?

(A) A French archaeologist with training in musicology researches instruments used in seventeenth century France, and her findings become the basis for a Korean engineer’s designs for devices to simulate the sounds those instruments most likely made.
(B) An Australian medical researcher with training in botany analyzes the chemical composition of plants that other researchers have collected in the Philippines, and then an Australian pharmaceutical company uses her findings to develop successful new medicines.
(C) A Canadian surgeon uses her skill in drawing to collaborate with a Vietnamese surgeon to develop a manual containing detailed illustrations of the proper techniques for certain types of reconstructive surgery performed in both countries.
(D) A Brazilian teacher with training in social psychology conducts a detailed study of teaching procedures while working with teachers in several Asian countries, then introduces the most effective of those procedures to teachers in his own country.
(E) An Italian fashion designer researches the social significance of clothing design in several cultures and then presents his research in a highly acclaimed book directed toward his colleagues in fashion design.

7 
 7. The passage suggests that the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements about the colleagues mentioned in line 33?

(A) They were partly correct in recommending that Dunham change her methods of data collection, since injury sustained during fieldwork might have compromised her research.
(B) They were partly correct in advising Dunham to exercise initial caution in participating in the Caribbean dances, since her skill in performing them improved with experience.
(C) They were incorrect in advising Dunham to increase the degree of her detachment, since extensive personal investment in fieldwork generally enhances scientific rigor.
(D) They were incorrect in assuming that researchers in the social sciences are able to gather data in an entirely objective manner.
(E) They were incorrect in assuming that dance could be studied with the same degree of scientific rigor possible in other areas of ethnology.

RC Butler 2023  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 04 Date: 02-Feb-2023
 This question is a part of RC Butler 2023 .  Click here for Details

Source:   LSAT Official PrepTest 70   
 Difficulty Level:   700

utkarsh9888 · Answer

Can somebody explains the solutions for question 5 & 7

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

5. According to the passage, which one of the following was true of the dance forms that Dunham began studying in 1935?

Explanation

The third paragraph discusses Dunham’s research projects that started in 1935. The correct answer will be a statement within the passage text.

A. No.  The passage states that Dunham’s research was on the origins of Caribbean dance forms in African culture.

B. No.  This answer choice is too strong. The passage states that Dunham introduced dance-isolation to North America, but it could have been used other places outside of Africa prior to 1935.

C. No.  The passage does not discuss the other dance forms employed in North American ballets.

D. No.  This is not mentioned in the passage.

E.  Yes.   The passage states that Dunham studied dance forms with origins in Africa.

Answer: E

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

7. The passage suggests that the author would be most likely to agree with which one of the following statements about the colleagues mentioned in line 33?

Explanation

The passage states that Dunham’s anthropological colleagues advised her to remain detached from the dances that she was observing to obtain the most accurate data. The credited response will be supported by the author’s statements.

A. No.  While the colleagues were concerned about the physical demands of the dances, there is no indication that the author shares these concerns.

B. No.  The author states that because of Dunham’s skill as a performer, she participated in the dances.

C. No.  The author attributes Dunham’s success to her interest and skill as a performer as well as her prolonged immersion. There is no claim about scientific rigor.

D.  Yes.   The author comments that Dunham’s colleagues’ position has been “fortunately recognized as unrealistic.”

E. No . The author makes no claims about the scientific rigor of Dunham’s study.

Answer: D

KaiWan · Answer

Any explanation for question 6 pls?

Posted from my mobile device

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello KaiWan

What issue you are facing with question 6, Can you elaborate?

Oppenheimer1945 · Answer

sajjad , Pls explain the reason for selecting option D over option C in a great detail? Did the question setter added "scientific rigor" to trap us?

Oppenheimer1945 · Answer

DETAILED Explanation for 2 & 6?

Geozz · Answer

6. Which one of the following is most analogous to Dunham’s work in anthropology and choreography as that work is described in the passage?

(A) A French archaeologist with training in musicology researches instruments used in seventeenth century France, and her findings become the basis for a Korean engineer’s designs for devices to simulate the sounds those instruments most likely made.
(B) An Australian medical researcher with training in botany analyzes the chemical composition of plants that other researchers have collected in the Philippines, and then an Australian pharmaceutical company uses her findings to develop successful new medicines.
(C) A Canadian surgeon uses her skill in drawing to collaborate with a Vietnamese surgeon to develop a manual containing detailed illustrations of the proper techniques for certain types of reconstructive surgery performed in both countries.
(D) A Brazilian teacher with training in social psychology conducts a detailed study of teaching procedures while working with teachers in several Asian countries, then introduces the most effective of those procedures to teachers in his own country.
(E) An Italian fashion designer researches the social significance of clothing design in several cultures and then presents his research in a highly acclaimed book directed toward his colleagues in fashion design.

Understanding the pattern  is crucial to answer this question. Durham had expertise in anthropology and experience in dance choreography. This helped her to change the landscape of the modern American dance.

This  pattern  is only seen in OPTION D.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Answer option (D) is correct because  the passage states that Dunham's colleagues advised her  "not to become too closely involved"  in the dances she was observing and to maintain a position of complete detachment while gathering data. The passage further suggests that this advice was based on the assumption that effective data gathering can and must be conducted from a position of complete detachment. The author of the passage, however, suggests that this assumption is unrealistic, implying that researchers cannot gather data in an entirely objective manner.

Answer option (C) is incorrect because  the passage does not suggest that extensive personal investment in fieldwork generally enhances scientific rigor. Instead, the passage suggests that Dunham's immersion in the dances she was observing allowed her to comprehend them as complex cultural practices and to learn their techniques well enough to teach them to others and incorporate them into new forms of ballet. The passage does not, however, make any general claims about the relationship between personal investment in fieldwork and scientific rigor.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

2. According to the passage, Dunham’s work in anthropology differed from that of most other anthropologists in the 1930s in that Dunham

Difficulty Level:   500

Explanation

In the third paragraph, the passage discusses how Dunham’s work differed from other anthropologists. The correct answer will be a statement within the passage text.

A. No.  There is no such comparison. The passage does not discuss the time periods of other anthropologists’ field work.

B. No.  There is no such comparison. The passage does not discuss whether other anthropologists studied topics in relation to their own cultures.

C.  Yes.   This is explicitly discussed in the third paragraph.

D. No.  The passage does not discuss politics.

E. No.  The passage does not discuss whether Dunham had prior familiarity with the cultural practices she studied.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

6. Which one of the following is most analogous to Dunham’s work in anthropology and choreography as that work is described in the passage?

Difficulty Level:   700

Explanation

The passage discusses how Dunham’s work in both anthropology and choreography uniquely qualified her to both study and share African American dance forms. The credited response will parallel this by discussing someone whose two disparate backgrounds provide a unique qualification.

A. No.  This answer choice has two different people with specialties in different areas, rather than one person with two specialties.

B. No.  This answer choice does not involve multiple specialties.

C. No.  This answer choice discusses collaboration, but the passage does not.

D.  Yes.   The Brazilian teacher has expertise in both teaching and social psychology, which uniquely qualifies him to study and share his findings.

E. No.  There is no indication that the fashion designer is qualified to do cultural research.

Answer: D

Sunaina7 · Answer

Question 5 Opetion E says non-Caribbean. Should this be non-african?

AVARGUR · Answer

The author quotes:
"Dunham conducted a series of research projects into traditional Caribbean dance forms, with a special interest in their  origins in African culture "

mayashu · Answer

Hi  Sajjad1994  , for  question no 3 , why is  Option E  wrong. Data collection is an outcome of inquiry. If peers believe that inquiry cannot be rigorous, the data collection too will not be rigorous.

Option C  talks about precision. In my humble opinion, precision and rigour are two different things. A collection method can be precise, but still not be rigorous, and vice versa.

Context :  primarily because most social scientists gravitated toward areas likely to be recognized by their peers as befitting scientifically rigorous, and therefore legitimate, modes of inquiry.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The question is asking about the point of view of the peers of most social scientists as discussed in the second paragraph. The credited response will be consistent with the point of view of these peers that dance is not necessarily scientifically rigorous. (E) does not relate to the passage’s discussion of social science research.

ELEMANTRX · Answer

Please explain Q3 and 4, I have marked D and B respectively for the same.
3 D coz I thought they were preoccupied and hence they didn't perform.
4 B coz I thought they are comparing dancers and social researchers.

Hyouin · Answer

Hi Sajjad1994 can you please explain Why option (E) in Q.5 is correct.

Dinesh36 · Answer

I don't understand why 700 Level or sometimes higher difficulty level passages are included in lower difficuly level passage search results?

E.g., I searched for 500 to 600 level, but I got this 700 Level passage. There are some similar passages in low difficulty level passages.

aarzookhan11 · Answer

explanation of question 3 and 4 pls

One of the more striking developments in modern North American dance w

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One of the more striking developments in modern North American dance w

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