Economist Dr. Robert Chen argues that automation creates more jobs than it destroys in the long run. While specific occupations may disappear, he maintains that increased productivity leads to economic growth that generates new types of employment.
Which historical evidence would best support Chen's argument?
Modern factories employ fewer workers per unit of output than factories in 1900
Technology companies have very high stock valuations
Total employment in developed economies increased from 1950 to 2020 despite massive automation, with new job categories like software developers that didn't exist before
Consumer spending on technology products has increased steadily
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. This shows employment increased overall despite automation, with new job types emerging.
- Context clues: Chen claims automation creates "more jobs than it destroys" with "new types of employment."
- Evidence evaluation: Increased total employment + new job categories proves both claims.
- Verify: This is long-term historical data matching Chen's "in the long run" qualifier.
💡 Strategy: Long-run claims need long-run data showing the net effect.
Choice A is incorrect because fewer workers per factory is about efficiency, not total employment. Choice B is incorrect because stock valuations don't measure employment. Choice D is incorrect because consumer spending doesn't prove job creation.