In the series GMQ, JOT, MQW, ?, determine the next three letter group that continues the pattern.

Introduction / Context:
This is an alphabetic series composed of three letter groups. The pattern appears to be regular, but we must carefully track how each letter in one group transforms into the corresponding letter in the next group. Once the shift pattern is identified, we can calculate the next group.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Series: GMQ, JOT, MQW, ?
• Each group consists of three letters.
• The transformation from one group to the next is consistent.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to convert letters in each position to their numerical positions in the alphabet and then calculate the differences between corresponding letters from term to term. If we see constant shifts such as plus a fixed number, we can extend those shifts to find the missing group.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write positions: G=7, M=13, Q=17; J=10, O=15, T=20; M=13, Q=17, W=23.Step 2: From GMQ to JOT the differences are: 7 to 10 is +3, 13 to 15 is +2, 17 to 20 is +3.Step 3: From JOT to MQW the differences are: 10 to 13 is +3, 15 to 17 is +2, 20 to 23 is +3.Step 4: The pattern is therefore a repeated positional shift of +3, +2, +3 for the first, second and third letters respectively.Step 5: Apply this rule to MQW. Positions are M=13, Q=17, W=23.Step 6: Add the shifts: 13 + 3 = 16 (P), 17 + 2 = 19 (S), 23 + 3 = 26 (Z). The next group is PSZ.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check each group transition: GMQ → JOT → MQW → PSZ. Every step uses the same shift (3, 2, 3) in the three letter positions. Among the options, only PSZ uses letters P, S and Z, which correspond to these final positions. No other option is compatible with this exact positional shift.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Groups such as PTZ, ORY or VXY involve different shifts in at least one letter position. For instance, PTZ would require different increments from MQW that do not match the established +3, +2, +3 pattern. Hence these cannot be the correct continuation.

Common Pitfalls:
Some test takers may focus only on the first letters and believe the pattern is simple, then guess without verifying the other positions. It is crucial to confirm that all three letter positions follow a consistent rule across every transition in the sequence.

Final Answer:
The three letter group that correctly continues the given series is PSZ.