PSAT Reading Question 661: Answer and Explanation

Question: 661

The originators of the Kodachrome film process are best described as

• A. serendipitous tinkerers.
• B. scholarly thinkers.
• C. scientific masterminds.
• D. mathematical prodigies.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The last paragraph describes Mannes and Godowsky as casual tinkerers (as opposed to dedicated researchers) working "recreationally" and who had backgrounds in music rather than science. Thus, their discovery can best be described as "serendipitous," i.e., a fortunate finding by chance. The other options all focus on particular fields of study, which was not the case for Mannes and Godowsky with respect to their photographic research.