Most research on the subject has assumed that users of new technologie

Question

Most research on the subject has assumed that users of new technologies learn about and modify new technologies gradually. This assumption underlies the concept of  the learning curve , a familiar model which presumes that learners gain knowledge in a continuous and highly regular progression over time.

However, when a new technology is introduced into a particular sector of a company, the process of learning about and modifying that technology may not, in fact, be continuous. In general, the introduction of new technology into ongoing operations triggers an initial burst of learning or adaptive activity as users explore the technology and attempt to resolve unexpected problems. Such intense activity is often short-lived, however, with users' effort and attention declining dramatically after the first few months. This rapid decline tends to occur even when serious problems remain unresolved, a trend which suggests that the dramatic falloff in learning or adaptive activity shortly after new technology is introduced does not reflect users' having mastered the new technology. The period of intense activity by users is typically followed by one in which users return their attention to their customary production tasks, though using the new technology to accomplish those tasks. Later on, particularly when challenges related to the new technology arise, users often turn their attention back to the new technology, initiating additional spurts of learning or adaptive activity. In many cases, this pattern continues over time, with brief periods of learning or adaptation followed by longer periods of relatively routine use.

Understanding that the pattern of user learning and adaptation is discontinuous can yield important benefits. Managers who anticipate and plan for intense user activity when a new technology is first introduced are better able to exploit the surge of energy and user motivation that usually occurs at the start of a project when improvements are easiest to implement, and major problems are most obvious. Moreover, by attempting to confine major modifications to start- up periods, such managers can better realize the benefits of periods of routine usage of the technology, during which productivity typically begins to increase and the effectiveness of previous modifications can be assessed.   1 
 1. The author of the passage most likely mentions " the learning curve " in the highlighted text for which of the following reasons?

A. To introduce a concept that is then analyzed in greater detail
B. To explain an assumption that underlies a subsequent recommendation
C. To identify a model to which an alternative is then proposed
D. To illustrate the wide variety of models that describe the way in which people gain knowledge
E. To cite a now-outdated theory about the way in which people learn

2 
 2. The passage is primarily concerned with

A. explaining a phenomenon and its significance for managers
B. summarizing traditional assumptions about a phenomenon
C. pointing out ways in which managers have taken advantage of a phenomenon
D. arguing against introducing more than one new technology at a time
E. discussing the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology

3 
 3. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to describe the process by which users learn about and adapt to new technology as

A. dictated by the particular nature of the production tasks to be accomplished with the new technology
B. unpredictable due to differences in workers' familiarity with other technologies
C. inefficient because of inadequate planning by managers
D. slow initially but accelerating as employees gain familiarity with the new technology
E. occurring at intervals rather than continuously

4 
 4. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to make which of the following recommendations to managers who are introducing a new technology into the workplace?

A. Emphasize the desirability of maintaining certain productivity levels during all phases of the process.
B. Exploit the new technology by anticipating and planning for the continuous learning curve that characterizes this process.
C. Ensure that needed improvements to the new technology are implemented during the initial period of intense user learning and adaptive activity.
D. Work jointly with users to determine the amount of learning and adaptive activity that is required for users to master a new technology.
E. Attempt to minimize the dramatic falloff in learning and adaptive activity that often occurs shortly after a new technology is introduced.

KarishmaB · Accepted Answer

Here is the gist of the passage, paragraph wise:

Para 1  : Most research on the subject has assumed that users of new techn learn about it gradually. This assumption underlies the concept of  the learning curve , a familiar model which presumes that learners gain knowledge in a continuous and highly regular progression over time.

Para 2  : However, the process of learning may not be continuous. There is an initial burst of learning ... Then interest declines rapidly even when serious problems remain unresolved (so users' have not mastered the new tech yet)... Later on, users often turn their attention back to the new technology... this pattern continues over time, with brief periods of learning or adaptation followed by longer periods of relatively routine use.

Para 3  : Understanding this pattern can yield important benefits for managers.. Those who anticipate and plan for intense user activity in the beginning are better able to exploit the surge of energy at the start of a project when improvements are easiest to implement... Moreover, by attempting to confine major modifications to start- up periods, such managers can better realize the benefits of periods of routine usage..

Question 1.

1. The author of the passage most likely mentions " the learning curve " in the highlighted text for which of the following reasons?

A. To introduce a concept that is then analyzed in greater detail
B. To explain an assumption that underlies a subsequent recommendation
C. To identify a model to which an alternative is then proposed
D. To illustrate the wide variety of models that describe the way in which people gain knowledge
E. To cite a now-outdated theory about the way in which people learn

In para 1, the author talks about the learning curve to tell us about the familiar model on which most research is based. In subsequent paras he talks about an alternative model "bursts of learning" which is not continuous and which may actually be applicable.

A. To introduce a concept that is then analyzed in greater detail

Incorrect. 'the learning curve' is not the concept discussed in detail later.

B. To explain an assumption that underlies a subsequent recommendation

The learning curve does not underlie the subsequent recommendation in para 3. The bursts of learning underlies the subsequent recommendation.

C. To identify a model to which an alternative is then proposed

Correct. He is proposing an alternative to the learning curve.

D. To illustrate the wide variety of models that describe the way in which people gain knowledge

Incorrect. He says that the learning curve may not be applicable and that bursts of learning may be applicable.

E. To cite a now-outdated theory about the way in which people learn

He does not call it now-outdated theory. He mentions that it is the assumption of most research today. Hence, the learning curve is not outdated. It is the most accepted. He proposes an alternative to it to consider.

Answer (C)

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

1. The author of the passage most likely mentions "the learning curve" in the highlighted text for which of the following reasons?

Explanation

The author describes the learning curve as a familiar model that assumes a continuous and highly regular progression of learning over time. This model underlies the assumption that users of new technologies gradually learn and modify those technologies.

However, the subsequent paragraphs present an alternative perspective to challenge this assumption. The author explains that the learning and modification process associated with the introduction of new technology may not be continuous. Instead, there are periods of intense activity followed by longer periods of routine use, with intermittent spurts of learning and adaptation.

By introducing  "the learning curve"  model, the author provides a reference point for the traditional assumption about gradual learning progression. This allows the subsequent discussion to propose an alternative pattern of learning and adaptation, highlighting the discontinuous nature of the process when new technology is introduced.

Therefore,  option C) "To identify a model to which an alternative is then proposed"  accurately reflects the purpose of mentioning  "the learning curve"  in the passage. The model is introduced and later contrasted with the alternative pattern described in the passage.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

4. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to make which of the following recommendations to managers who are introducing a new technology into the workplace?

Explanation

(A)  suggests that managers should prioritize maintaining productivity throughout the entire process of introducing a new technology. However, the passage doesn't explicitly emphasize maintaining productivity as the primary concern. Instead, it highlights the cyclical nature of user learning and adaptation, with periods of intense activity followed by routine use.

(B)  This option recommends planning for a continuous learning curve. However, the passage argues against this assumption by explaining that learning and adaptation to new technology are not continuous but rather have periods of intense activity followed by routine use.

(C)  This option aligns with the passage. It suggests that managers should take advantage of the initial surge of user activity and motivation to make necessary improvements to the technology. The passage implies that this is a beneficial approach.

(D)  This option suggests a collaborative approach between managers and users to determine the learning needs. The passage doesn't explicitly address this recommendation. It focuses more on the pattern of user activity and how managers can harness it.

(E)  This is also incorrect.

Answer: C

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

3. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to describe the process by which users learn about and adapt to new technology as

Explanation

A.  This choice is not the primary focus of the passage. While the passage mentions that users return to their customary production tasks, the primary emphasis is on the discontinuous nature of learning and adaptation when new technology is introduced.

B.  The passage does not discuss the unpredictability of learning and adaptation due to differences in workers' familiarity with other technologies. Instead, it highlights the pattern of discontinuous learning and how users often engage intensely initially, followed by periods of routine use.

C.  The passage does mention the importance of managers planning for intense user activity when new technology is introduced. However, it doesn't describe the entire process as inefficient but rather emphasizes the value of recognizing and planning for the patterns of learning and adaptation.

D.  This option is not supported by the passage. The passage doesn't describe the process as initially slow and then accelerating. Instead, it highlights an initial burst of learning and adaptive activity when new technology is introduced, followed by a decline in user effort and attention.

E.  This is the correct answer. The passage emphasizes that user learning and adaptation to new technology occur at intervals or discontinuously. Users engage intensely at the beginning, then return to their routine tasks, and later revisit the technology when challenges arise. This is the central idea of the passage. So, option E accurately reflects the main point of the passage regarding the process of user learning and adaptation to new technology.

Answer: E

KarishmaB · Answer

Question 2.

2. The passage is primarily concerned with

A. explaining a phenomenon and its significance for managers
B. summarizing traditional assumptions about a phenomenon
C. pointing out ways in which managers have taken advantage of a phenomenon
D. arguing against introducing more than one new technology at a time
E. discussing the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology

What is the main point of the passage? What does the author try to do in it? He introduces an alternative theory to 'learning curve' for our consideration (in para 2). He explains how people learn new tech (perhaps). In para 3, he talks about how awareness of this theory could help managers be better prepared when introducing a new tech.

A. explaining a phenomenon and its significance for managers

He does explain the phenomenon of "learning in bursts," and then he talks about its significance for managers.

B. summarizing traditional assumptions about a phenomenon

He did not write the passage to talk about the traditional assumptions about a phenomenon. He only introduced what the traditional assumptions are and then presented an alternative.

C. pointing out ways in which managers have taken advantage of a phenomenon

He does not say that the managers have taken advantage of bursts of learning. He says that they CAN take advantage if they are aware of how people actually learn (in bursts) and he then explains how they can take advantage.

D. arguing against introducing more than one new technology at a time

No such discussion. How many new tech are to be introduced at a time has not been mentioned.

E. discussing the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology

He does not discuss the benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology. He discusses how people learn new tech when it is introduced.

Answer (A)

KarishmaB · Answer

Question 3.

3. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to describe the process by which users learn about and adapt to new technology as

A. dictated by the particular nature of the production tasks to be accomplished with the new technology
B. unpredictable due to differences in workers' familiarity with other technologies
C. inefficient because of inadequate planning by managers
D. slow initially but accelerating as employees gain familiarity with the new technology
E. occurring at intervals rather than continuously

As per the author, users learn in bursts. There is an initial burst which then subsides. After some time, there is some renewed interest when need arises and that subsides. Then again and so on. 
Hence users learn about and adapt to new technology in intervals and not continuously.

Answer (E)

Question 4.

4. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to make which of the following recommendations to managers who are introducing a new technology into the workplace?

A. Emphasize the desirability of maintaining certain productivity levels during all phases of the process.
B. Exploit the new technology by anticipating and planning for the continuous learning curve that characterizes this process.
C. Ensure that needed improvements to the new technology are implemented during the initial period of intense user learning and adaptive activity.
D. Work jointly with users to determine the amount of learning and adaptive activity that is required for users to master a new technology.
E. Attempt to minimize the dramatic falloff in learning and adaptive activity that often occurs shortly after a new technology is introduced.

The author makes some recommendations to the manager. He says:
Those who anticipate and plan for intense user activity in the beginning are better able to exploit the surge of energy at the start of a project when improvements are easiest to implement... Moreover,  by attempting to confine major modifications to start- up periods, such managers can better realize the benefits  of periods of routine usage.. Hence option (C) works.

C. Ensure that needed improvements to the new technology are implemented during the initial period of intense user learning and adaptive activity.

A. Emphasize the desirability of maintaining certain productivity levels during all phases of the process.

The author does not recommend 'maintaining certain productivity levels during all phases.'

B. Exploit the new technology by anticipating and planning for the continuous learning curve that characterizes this process.

He says that continuous learning curve does not characterize this process. Hence this option is false.

D. Work jointly with users to determine the amount of learning and adaptive activity that is required for users to master a new technology.

No recommendation on "work jointly with users to determine the amount ..."

E. Attempt to minimize the dramatic falloff in learning and adaptive activity that often occurs shortly after a new technology is introduced.

He does not recommend attempt to minimize the dramatic falloff in learning. He says that darmatic falloff will take place. Anticipate it and plan accordingly.

Answer (C)

agrasan · Answer

Hi experts  KarishmaB   DmitryFarber   GMATNinja   MartyMurray

In question-3, could you please explain why option A is wrong?

3. According to information contained in the passage, the author would be most likely to describe the process by which users learn about and adapt to new technology as

A. dictated by the particular nature of the production tasks to be accomplished with the new technology

My thinking is it connects with the passage through following lines:  "The period of intense activity by users is  typically followed by one in which users return their attention to their customary production tasks , though using the new technology to accomplish those tasks. Later on, particularly when challenges..."

Is this option wrong because there is no cause and effect relationship directly mentioned?

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

Answer A is saying that the WAY people learn depends on which tasks they need to do. But the process the author describes doesn't vary in this way. They emphasize that people learn in bursts: people spend some time learning the technology, then they get into a routine, then they learn more when challenges with the tech arrive. But the pace is defined by those challenges, not the specifics of the tasks they have to do. The fact that we have customary tasks to complete does not tell us that those tasks themselves dictate the pace of our learning a new technology.

I'll also add that to choose A, we'd have to cut E. But E gets to the exact heart of the passage without adding any extraneous details that could be wrong, so we absolutely must choose it. There's no way it can be wrong!

VerbalBot · Answer

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Most research on the subject has assumed that users of new technologie

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Most research on the subject has assumed that users of new technologie

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