Applying the scientific method improves the results of research studi

Question

Applying the scientific method improves the results of research studies by  ensuring an objective analysis of data using a standardized approach to problem-solving.

A. ensuring an objective analysis of data using a standardized approach to problem-solving

B. analyzing data objectively using a standardized approach to problem-solving

C. problem-solving using a standardized approach to ensure the objective analysis of data

D. using a standardized approach to problem-solving in order to ensure an objective analysis of data

E. ensuring an objective analysis of data by solving problems using a standardized approach

anothermillenial · Accepted Answer

Applying the scientific method improves the results of research studies by  ensuring an objective analysis of data using a standardized approach to problem-solving .

Odd question but here's my thought.

Basically the crux of the sentence is: How do we do X? By doing Y...which will ensure Z. 
How does applying the scientific method improve results?
THROUGH/BY the use of a standardised approach (via the scientific method).

A.  ensuring an objective analysis  of data  using  a standardized approach to problem-solving 
“Using” is currently modifying data…and that means that the “data” is currently “using a standardised approach to problem-solving” which makes 0 sense. This is an error with verb-ing modifiers not preceded by commas, which can only modify the preceding noun or noun phrase. Also wrong order of by doing Y to ensure Z.

To be correct, it'd probably have to say: by ensuring an objective analysis of data that uses a standardised approach to problem solving.

B.  analyzing data objectively  using a standardized approach to problem-solving 
Wrong order. We want BY to be followed by the approach. The objective analysis of the data is supplemental. Also don't think the "using" can modify "data" here...either.

C.  problem-solving  using a standardized approach to ensure the objective analysis of data 
Changes the meaning. We want the “by” to be close to the usage of the approach.

D. using a standardized approach to problem-solving  in order to ensure  an objective analysis of data. 
Correct meaning. Emphasises the approach as the solution. 
 
E. ensuring an objective analysis of data  by  solving problems using a standardized approach 
Too many “bys”! Also, not the right order.

generis · Answer

• Two main problems:  
1) A, B, C, and E assert rather than explain.

2) the participle phrase "using a standardized approach" ends up modifying weird things and getting relegated to secondary status.

• By ___ING must tell us  how  the application of scientific methods improves the results of research studies

In the main clause we have
 subject + verb + direct object + BY + ___ING 
By ___ING must explain HOW the action or result in the main clause happened

• In all of these options, very nearly identical phrases are scrambled differently.

-- objective analysis of data/analyzing data objectively

-- a standardized approach to problem-solving

-- to ensure/ensuring

-- problem solving/solving problems

• rearrange the phrases in their most logical order   
(or let the options do so for you)

-- We must answer HOW the application of the scientific method achieves improved study results

-- We should start with a noun. The verbals are noun-like anyway (using, ensuring), and we need a meaningful concept to tie the scientific method to improved study results.
 
We have three choices:  data analysis, problem solving , or  a standardized approach to problem solving

-- eliminate  problem solving . 
C is silly. 
Question:  How do you solve the problem  ?  Answer:  By problem solving. 
That answer is circular, and  a standardized approach to problem solving  includes problem solving, if that's what we're after 
 Eliminate answer C

•  objective data analysis vs. a standardized approach ?

If we choose  objective data analysis , we choose a very specific detail as our HOW answer.
We relegate "a standardized approach" to secondary status and leave the phrase with little content.

If we choose  a standardized approach , we have only one option: D
 What happens in D?

The results in the main clause are achieved . . .
 BY using a standardized approach to problem solving    . . .
 in order to ensure  an  objective analysis of data.

This standard approach has a purpose/result: objective analysis of data.
Objectively analyzed data = improved study results

Option D looks very promising.

Can we go the other way and be as effective?

A)  ensuring an objective analysis of data using a standardized approach to problem-solving
The scientific method improves study results by   ensuring objective analysis of data,
an analysis of data that itself uses a standardized approach to problem-solving.

Cause and effect are asserted, not explained.  Ensuring objective data analysis  is not exactly wrong,
The phrase just doesn't say much.
There is little sense of mechanism or logical sequence. 
HOW does the scientific method ensure objective data analysis (again, data analysis that itself uses a standardized approach)?
It's a good thing to "ensure objective data analysis," but A is inferior to D because we do not have a sense of "because."

Notice that in D we can say,    Because  the approach to problem solving is standardized and  because  its purpose is to ensure objective analysis of data, the application of the scientific method improves study results.  
We have explanatory reasons, not just assertions.

Eliminate A.

• Options B and E lack explanatory power just as A does  .

Option B may be worse than A.
 analyzing data objectively using a standardized approach to problem-solving 
Okay, but HOW does this thing work?

Again, it's good to have objectively analyzed data  .

Merely asserting that data are analyzed objectively is not the same as explaining the mechanism by which that analysis happens. 
The end game, the purpose of the approach, in D, is objective data analysis.
We don't have an end game in B.
At the end of the sentence we have a vague standardized approach to problem solving that data analysis itself somehow uses.
 Eliminate B

Option E is a variation on option A and has the same problems
E) ensuring an objective analysis of data by solving problems using a standardized approach

• This statement might help. ASSERTED, NOT EXPLAINED.

All the options except D are  asserting  the HOW rather than explaining the HOW.
Options describing a HOW should not assert. They should explain.

This question is hard.
Step back a bit.
Forget obvious grammar errors. There aren't any obvious ones.

I am curious to understand why option D is not more attractive to people.

If I were willing to pick answer A, B, or E, I think that I would have to be willing to pick the other two as well.

ArupRS  , I hope that analysis helps.

OhsostudiousMJ · Answer

Hi,
Can someone explain me why   A   is incorrect?

NoMatterWhat · Answer

two points to eliminate A

1- the main action is not 'ensuring'

rather they are using a standarized approach in order to ensure analysis

2- using is modifying DATA...it is not what we intend to do so.

Hope it Helps

Thanks = Kudos

warrior1991 · Answer

How do you apply the scientific method?? By ensuring or by using an approach.

Well you use an approach first .This means using will come after   the results of research studies by

In Between A and C, C is correct because of my above reasoning.

ArupRS · Answer

generis

Could you please explain why B is incorrect?

Regards,
Arup

Ketakindu123 · Answer

VeritasKarishma  can you please shed some light on this one?

Noshad · Answer

OE
D. The correct response is (D). The scientific method is a standardized approach to problem-solving, and taking a standardized approach to problem-solving helps ensure an objective analysis of data. This is the only option for which the phrase “in order to” properly connects the subordinate clause (“ensure an objective analysis of data”) to the main clause.

Response (A) is incorrect because applying the scientific method is equal to providing a standardized approach, which, in turn, ensures an objective analysis.

Response (B) is incorrect because applying the scientific method is not equal to analyzing data objectively; it is equal to taking a specific approach to analyzing data, which helps eliminate bias and therefore ensures an objective analysis.

Response (C) is incorrect because the scientific method is an approach to problem-solving, not problem-solving in itself.

Response (E) is incorrect because, though the sentence expresses the correct idea, the awkward phrasing clouds the clarity of expression.

ArupRS · Answer

generis  :

This is a heck of a solution. The meaning changes are subtle. I was not able to comprehend the subtle changes in the meaning in each answer choices. 
I haven't found out any grammatical mistakes as such. Being a non-native speaker, it was, even more, harder for me. This is the only question I faced till now faced, was missed by me because of this aspect.

Regards,
Arup
Arup

aakash214 · Answer

Given we only get 1:49 to solve a question, how should we tackle a questions like this faster?

GMATNinja · Answer

There's no easy answer to that one, but you might get something out of  this article  or  this video , both of which describe a general framework for building accuracy and efficiency on SC.

The other thing to keep in mind is that some questions will take you a bit longer than others, and that's completely fine. So don't cling TOO rigidly to the idea that you need to do EVERY question in 1:49.

I hope this helps a bit!

CEdward · Answer

Frustrating question. If I were to write a sentence like this, surely 'ensuring' is the verb I consider most ideal, all else being equal.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Applying the scientific method improves the results of research studi

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