1.
Positive statements answers the questions (what is) while normative statements answer the question (what should be).
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true because positive statements are factual statements that describe what is happening or what exists in reality, while normative statements express opinions or judgments about what should or ought to be happening. Therefore, positive statements answer the question of "what is," while normative statements answer the question of "what should be."
2.
What is the study of the allocation of resources which affects the economic well-being?
Correct Answer
A. Welfare economics
Explanation
Welfare economics is the study of how resources are allocated in a way that affects the economic well-being of individuals and society as a whole. It examines how different economic policies and interventions can impact the distribution of resources and improve overall welfare. This field of study analyzes issues such as income inequality, market failures, and the efficiency of resource allocation in order to make recommendations for improving economic outcomes and maximizing social welfare.
3.
The equilibrium of supply and demand in a market minimize the total benefit received by buyers and sellers.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
maximize
4.
Each buyer's maximum is called his ______ , and measures how much that buyer values the good.
Correct Answer
B. Willingness to pay
Explanation
The correct answer is "willingness to pay". This term refers to the maximum amount of money that a buyer is willing to spend on a good or service. It represents the buyer's valuation or perceived value of the item, indicating how much they are willing to sacrifice in order to obtain it. The willingness to pay can vary among different buyers and is an important factor in determining market demand and pricing.
5.
It is the amount a buyer is willing to pay for a good minus the amount the buyer actually pays for it.
Correct Answer
A. Consumer Surplus
Explanation
Consumer surplus is the difference between the maximum price a buyer is willing to pay for a good and the actual price they pay for it. It represents the additional benefit or value that the buyer receives from the transaction. This surplus occurs when the buyer is able to purchase the good at a price lower than what they were willing to pay, resulting in a gain for the buyer. It is a measure of the economic welfare or satisfaction that consumers derive from their purchases.
6.
What is the relationship between consumer surplus and the demand cruve?
Correct Answer
D. They are closely related
Explanation
Consumer surplus and the demand curve are closely related because consumer surplus is the area between the demand curve and the price line. The demand curve represents the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at different price levels. Consumer surplus, on the other hand, measures the difference between the maximum price consumers are willing to pay and the actual price they pay. Therefore, the two concepts are closely related as consumer surplus is directly influenced by the shape and position of the demand curve.
7.
Marginal buyers/sellers are the ones:
Correct Answer
D. Who would leave the the market first if the price were any higher
Explanation
Marginal buyers/sellers are individuals who would leave the market first if the price were any higher. This means that they have a lower willingness or ability to pay for a product or service compared to other buyers/sellers. They are more price-sensitive and would be easily deterred from participating in the market if prices increase. Their exit from the market indicates that they are not willing to pay the higher price and may seek alternative options or go without the product or service altogether.
8.
We can't measure consumer surplus using the demand curve.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
we can.
9.
What happens to the graph of a market with so many buyers?
Correct Answer
B. Becomes a smooth curve
Explanation
When a market has a large number of buyers, it is likely to result in a smooth curve on the graph. This is because a larger number of buyers leads to more competition and a wider range of prices at which buyers are willing to purchase the product. As a result, the graph will show a gradual transition from lower to higher prices, creating a smooth curve. This is in contrast to a step-function, which represents a limited number of buyers at specific price points. The graph becoming parabolic or bigger is not necessarily a direct consequence of having many buyers.
10.
Our goal in developing the concept of consumer surplus is:
Correct Answer
D. To make judgments about the desirability of market outcomes
Explanation
The concept of consumer surplus is used to make judgments about the desirability of market outcomes. Consumer surplus measures the difference between what consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and what they actually pay. This surplus represents the benefit or satisfaction that consumers receive from the transaction. By assessing consumer surplus, we can determine if a market outcome is desirable or not, as it indicates whether consumers are gaining more value from the transaction than they are paying for.
11.
Consumer surplus is a good measure of ecnomic well-being if policymakers want to respect the preferences of sellers.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
...preferences of buyers.
12.
In most market, producer surplus does reflect economic well-being.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
consumer surplus
13.
The measure of a producer's willingness to sell his/her services.
Correct Answer
B. Cost
Explanation
The correct answer is "cost" because the cost refers to the expenses incurred by a producer in order to produce and sell their services. It includes factors such as raw materials, labor, and overhead costs. The cost is an important consideration for a producer as it directly influences their willingness to sell their services. If the cost of production is high, the producer may be less willing to sell their services at a certain price, whereas if the cost is low, they may be more willing to sell. Therefore, the cost is a measure of a producer's willingness to sell their services.
14.
The area ____ the price and ____ the supply curve measures the producer surplus in a market.
Correct Answer
C. Above, below
Explanation
The area above the price and below the supply curve measures the producer surplus in a market. This is because the producer surplus represents the difference between the price at which producers are willing to supply a good or service and the actual price they receive. The area above the price and below the supply curve represents the additional revenue that producers receive above their willingness to supply, thus indicating their surplus.
15.
_____ and _____ are the basic tools that economists use to study the welfare of buyers and sellers.
Correct Answer
B. Consumer surplus, producer surplus
Explanation
Consumer surplus and producer surplus are the basic tools that economists use to study the welfare of buyers and sellers. Consumer surplus is the difference between the price that consumers are willing to pay for a good or service and the actual price they pay. It represents the benefit or surplus that consumers receive from purchasing a product at a lower price. Producer surplus, on the other hand, is the difference between the price that producers receive for a good or service and the minimum price they are willing to accept. It represents the benefit or surplus that producers receive from selling a product at a higher price.
16.
Total surplus = Value to buyers - Cost to sellers
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement "Total surplus = Value to buyers - Cost to sellers" is true. Total surplus refers to the overall benefit or value generated in a market transaction. It is calculated by subtracting the cost incurred by sellers from the value gained by buyers. This surplus represents the net gain in societal welfare resulting from the transaction. When the value to buyers exceeds the cost to sellers, there is a positive total surplus, indicating a mutually beneficial exchange. Conversely, if the cost to sellers is higher than the value to buyers, there is a negative total surplus, suggesting an inefficient allocation of resources.
17.
If an allocation of resources ______ , we say that the allocation exhibits efficiency.
Correct Answer
B. Maximizes total surplus
Explanation
Efficiency in resource allocation refers to the situation where resources are allocated in a way that maximizes the overall welfare or benefit to society. Maximizing total surplus means that the allocation of resources is done in a manner that maximizes the combined value of consumer and producer surplus. This implies that the allocation is efficient because it maximizes the total benefit derived from the resources, ensuring that they are utilized in the most productive and beneficial way possible.
18.
Equslity - that is, whether the various buyers and sellers in the market:
Correct Answer
A. Have similar level of economic well-being
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that equality refers to whether the various buyers and sellers in the market have a similar level of economic well-being. This means that they have similar incomes, access to resources, and overall economic conditions. It implies that there is a fair distribution of wealth and opportunities among market participants, ensuring that no one is significantly disadvantaged or advantaged.
19.
2 INSIGHTS ABOUT MARKET OUTCOMES (1)
Free markets allocate the supply of good to the buyers:
Correct Answer
C. Who value them most highly
Explanation
In a free market, the supply of goods is allocated to the buyers who value them most highly. This means that those who are willing to pay a higher price for the goods and derive the most satisfaction from them will be the ones who are able to purchase them. This is because individuals who value the goods highly are more likely to be willing to pay a higher price for them, creating a competitive market where the goods go to those who are willing to pay the most.
20.
2 INSIGHTS ABOUT MARKET OUTCOMES (2)
Free markets allocate the demand for goods to the sellers who:
Correct Answer
C. Can produce them at the least cost
Explanation
In a free market, the demand for goods is allocated to the sellers who can produce them at the least cost. This means that sellers who are able to minimize their production costs have a competitive advantage and are more likely to attract buyers. By producing goods at the least cost, sellers can offer lower prices to consumers, which increases their chances of making sales and gaining market share. This efficient allocation of resources helps to maximize overall economic welfare and ensures that goods are produced and sold at the most affordable prices.
21.
The social planner cannot increase the economic well-being by changing the allocation of consumption among buyers or the allocation of production among sellers.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the social planner, who is responsible for making decisions to maximize overall societal welfare, cannot increase economic well-being by simply redistributing consumption among buyers or production among sellers. This is because any reallocation would only benefit one party at the expense of another, resulting in a zero-sum game. To truly increase economic well-being, the social planner needs to focus on improving overall productivity, efficiency, and resource allocation in the economy.
22.
Free markets produce the quantity of goods that maximizes the:
Correct Answer
D. Sum of consumer and producer surplus
Explanation
In a free market, the quantity of goods produced is determined by the interaction of supply and demand. This equilibrium quantity maximizes the overall welfare in the market, which is represented by the sum of consumer and producer surplus. Consumer surplus is the difference between the price consumers are willing to pay and the actual price they pay, while producer surplus is the difference between the price producers receive and the minimum price they are willing to accept. Therefore, the correct answer is that free markets produce the quantity of goods that maximizes the sum of consumer and producer surplus.
23.
The equilibrium outcome is always an efficient allocation of resources.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
An efficient allocation of resources means that resources are distributed in a way that maximizes overall welfare or utility. In an equilibrium outcome, there is a balance between supply and demand, and prices adjust to clear markets. This ensures that resources are allocated to their highest valued uses and that there is no waste or inefficiency. Therefore, it can be concluded that the equilibrium outcome is always an efficient allocation of resources.
24.
Society is lucky because social planners intervene.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
...because social planners don't have to intervene
25.
Centrally planned government ___ work very well.
Correct Answer
B. Never
Explanation
Centrally planned government systems have historically been associated with inefficiency, lack of innovation, and limited economic growth. This is because decisions and resource allocation are primarily controlled by the government, limiting individual freedoms and market dynamics. As a result, these systems have often failed to deliver desired outcomes and have been criticized for their inability to adapt to changing circumstances. Therefore, the phrase "never work very well" accurately reflects the drawbacks and limitations of centrally planned government systems.
26.
What is the best way to organize the economic activity?
Correct Answer
D. Free markets
Explanation
Free markets are considered the best way to organize economic activity because they promote competition, efficiency, and innovation. In a free market system, individuals and businesses are free to make their own economic decisions, such as what to produce, how much to produce, and at what price to sell. This allows for the allocation of resources based on supply and demand, leading to optimal outcomes. Free markets also provide incentives for individuals and businesses to work hard and innovate, as they can directly benefit from their efforts. Overall, free markets provide a decentralized and efficient system for organizing economic activity.
27.
Many economists believe that there would be large benefits to allowing a free market in organs.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Many economists believe that allowing a free market in organs would bring about significant advantages. A free market would create a greater supply of organs, as individuals would have the incentive to sell their organs for a price. This would help address the shortage of organs for transplantation and potentially save more lives. Additionally, a free market would promote competition, leading to more efficient allocation of organs and potentially reducing costs. However, it is important to consider ethical concerns and potential exploitation that may arise in a free market system for organs.
28.
In the world, competition is sometimes far from perfect.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that competition in the world is not always perfect, indicating that there are instances where competition may be flawed or imperfect. This implies that there may be factors such as monopolies, unfair advantages, or lack of transparency that hinder the ideal conditions of competition. Therefore, the answer "True" aligns with the statement's assertion that competition is sometimes far from perfect.
29.
What are the two assumptions we made in this chapter?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Perfect competition
D. Outcome in a market matters only to the buyers and sellers in the market
Explanation
In this chapter, two assumptions were made. The first assumption is perfect competition, which means that there are many buyers and sellers in the market, and no single entity has control over the market price. The second assumption is that the outcome in a market matters only to the buyers and sellers in the market, implying that external factors or consequences outside the market are not taken into account. These assumptions help in analyzing the market dynamics and understanding the impact of various factors on market outcomes.
30.
Market power and externalities are examples of a general phenomen called:
Correct Answer
B. Market failure
Explanation
Market power and externalities are both examples of market failures. Market failure refers to a situation where the allocation of goods and services by a free market is not efficient, leading to a loss of economic welfare. In the case of market power, a single firm or a small group of firms have the ability to manipulate prices and output, resulting in an inefficient allocation of resources. Externalities occur when the actions of one party impose costs or benefits on others who are not involved in the transaction, leading to a suboptimal allocation of resources. Both of these examples highlight the failure of the market to achieve an efficient outcome.
31.
French phrase that refers to free market:
Correct Answer
B. Laissez fair
Explanation
The correct answer is "laissez faire". This French phrase is commonly used to refer to a free market system. It emphasizes the idea of minimal government intervention in economic activities, allowing individuals and businesses to operate with freedom and autonomy. The term originated in the 18th century and has since become synonymous with the concept of economic liberalism and free trade.