Applying the scientific method improves the results of research studi

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. [In this case, the objective analysis = approach.]

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.

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• 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 [of needing improved study results]? 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 [a general and predictable method of 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 [somehow!] 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 [that itself uses some standardized approach to problem-solving].

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.
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Hi,
Can someone explain me why A is incorrect?

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

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.

generis

Could you please explain why B is incorrect?

Regards,
Arup

VeritasKarishma can you please shed some light on this one?

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.

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

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

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