When automatic teller machines (ATMs) were first introduced in the 1970s, bank executives predicted they would eliminate the need for human tellers. Instead, the number of teller positions actually increased over the following decades. ATMs reduced the cost of operating bank branches, allowing banks to open more locations and ultimately hire more employees.
It can be inferred from the text that
ATMs were an economic failure for banks
the effects of automation on employment can be counterintuitive
bank executives always accurately predict technological outcomes
human tellers became completely unnecessary after ATMs were introduced
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The technology predicted to eliminate jobs actually increased them.
- Context clues: Executives predicted teller jobs would end; instead, positions "increased."
- Meaning: The opposite outcome from predictions shows counterintuitive effects.
- Verify: Lower branch costs led to more branches and more employees.
💡 Strategy: When a prediction proves wrong, infer that the phenomenon is more complex than expected.
Choice A is incorrect because ATMs reduced costs and enabled expansion. Choice C is incorrect because executives' predictions were wrong. Choice D is incorrect because teller positions increased.