Question

multiple choice 10 points
computer specialists did not exist in 1910, and there were few, if any, in 1950, so they do not appear in the 1950 census.... the first commercial electronic computer was delivered in 1951, and employment data on computer specialists were first collected in the 1960 census. computer specialists grew 95 times as a proportion of total employment between 1960 and 2000, from 0.02 percent to 1.92 percent.
—“occupational changes during the 20th century,” ian d. wyatt and daniel e. hecker, u.s. bureau of labor statistics, 2006
which of the following statements can best summarize workforce trends discussed in this passage?
∘ companies benefited from the widespread use of workplace computers.
∘ the increased use of computers created a new type of employment category.
∘ the increase in computer companies was a result of the baby - boom generation.
∘ computer purchases by the average household decreased as prices increased.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The passage focuses on employment of computer specialists, not company benefits from workplace computers. Eliminate.
2. Analyze Option 2: The passage shows computer specialists (a new employment category) emerged after commercial computers and grew in proportion. This matches the trend.
3. Analyze Option 3: The passage has no mention of baby - boom generation or computer companies' increase. Eliminate.
4. Analyze Option 4: The passage is about employment, not household computer purchases or prices. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. The increased use of computers created a new type of employment category.