Which scenario would likely result in a screen or film image with low contrast?

High kilovolt peak (kVp) settings are associated with a broader range of X-ray energies penetrating the subject being imaged. This results in a greater likelihood of producing a low contrast image. When kVp is increased beyond what is necessary, the image may lack the stark differences in density between various tissues, leading to a more uniformly gray appearance on the film.

In contrast, using lower kVp settings typically enhances the contrast, as it produces a greater difference between the densities of adjacent structures. Therefore, selecting the correct kVp is crucial for achieving the desired level of contrast in an image. Factors such as patient positioning errors or inadequate collimation may affect the quality of the image, but they do not directly influence the inherent contrast produced by the kVp. Similarly, using an incorrect film type can impact overall image quality or detail, but the specific aspect of contrast is primarily governed by the kVp utilized.