PSAT Reading Question 397: Answer and Explanation

Question: 397

Based on the graph, would it be possible for overall U.S. governmental spending on research and development to have increased between 2004 and 2006?

• A. No, because research and development decreased as a percent of the overall federal budget
• B. No, because overall governmental spending decreased between 2004 and 2006
• C. Yes, if the growth in overall governmental spending was sufficiently large
• D. Yes, since the percentage of federal spending on research and development increased during this period

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) This question involves thinking critically and creatively about the numbers and statistics presented in the graph. In the graph, the percentage of the budget devoted to research and development remained fairly level, even dropping slightly. Despite this, if the amount from which these percentages are taken goes up enough, then the overall amount can increase even though the percentage remains about the same. If you take 10 percent of 100 dollars and then take 10 percent of 300 dollars, the value will increase from 10 dollars to 30 dollars even though the percentage remains the same. So if the overall growth in government spending was sufficiently large, it would allow for an increase in research spending even though the percentage remained level. Choices (A) and (B) are incorrect because it is possible that research and development spending increased. Choice (D) is not right because it contradicts the fact that spending on research decreased.