1.
In a market economy, both parties in a transaction expect to gain from any exchange of goods and services.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Otherwise, why exchange?
2.
If both supply and demand decrease, then the change in equilibrium quantity is indeterminate.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
If both supply and demand decrease, the change in equilibrium quantity can be determined. When both supply and demand decrease, it leads to a decrease in the equilibrium quantity. This is because the decrease in supply reduces the quantity available in the market, while the decrease in demand reduces the quantity that consumers are willing to purchase. As a result, the equilibrium quantity will decrease as both factors work together to reduce the amount of goods or services being exchanged in the market.
3.
If a country has a comparative advantage in the production of a good, it can produce that good with fewer resources than another country.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This is referring to Absolute Advantage.
4.
By virtue of government controls, command economies can ensure productive efficiency. Market economies have no mechanism to promote such efficiency.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Actually, market economies have competition to help with productive efficiency.
5.
Even if two individuals go to the movies at the same time and pay the same price, they will probably not have the same opportunity cost.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
They are probably both giving up different things to be at the movies.
6.
The demand curve for Good X shifts to the left whenever there is an increase in the price of Good X.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A change in price moves the point along the curve. It does not cause the curve to shift left or right.
7.
In the absence of trade, a country's PPF determines both what it can produce and what it can consume.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In the absence of trade, a country's PPF (Production Possibility Frontier) represents the maximum amount of goods and services that it can produce efficiently. Since trade allows countries to specialize in the production of goods in which they have a comparative advantage, it expands the range of goods available for consumption beyond what can be produced domestically. Therefore, without trade, a country's PPF determines both its production and consumption capabilities.
8.
If 2 variables are positively correlated we can say that an increase in one causes an increase in the other.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A correlation is a predictable pattern but one event does not cause another event.
9.
If a country is producing on its PPF, we can say that it is allocatevely efficient.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
If a country is producing on its PPF, we can say that it is productively efficient.
10.
Scarcity leads to a concave PPF.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Scarcity is responsible for the negative slope.
11.
A "change in quantity demanded" occurs whenever the price of a substitute good increases or decreases.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Whenever the price of a substitute good increases or decreases the demand curve shifts left or right.
12.
A price floor must be placed below the equilibrium price in order to be "effective".
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A price floor must be placed above the equilibrium price in order to be "effective".
13.
Even if a country is less efficient at producing every good than another country, it can still benefit from trade.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Even if a country is less efficient at producing every good than another country, it can still benefit from trade because trade allows countries to specialize in producing goods that they have a comparative advantage in. This means that even if a country is less efficient at producing a certain good, it can still trade for that good with another country that is more efficient at producing it, leading to overall gains in productivity and economic welfare for both countries involved.
14.
When generating theories from observed data, you engage in the process of deduction.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Induction is the process of generating theories from individual facts.
15.
It is possible for one person to have an absolute advantage in the production of all products.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is possible for one person to have an absolute advantage in the production of all products because absolute advantage refers to the ability of an individual, firm, or country to produce a good or service at a lower cost or using fewer resources compared to others. If a person has a higher level of efficiency or expertise in producing all products, they can have an absolute advantage over others in the production process. However, it is unlikely for one person to have an absolute advantage in all products as specialization and division of labor usually lead to different individuals or entities having absolute advantages in different areas.
16.
"A decrease in homework should improve faculty evaluatoion scores." This is a positive statement.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is positive because it can be tested.
17.
An effective price ceiling is normally accompanied by a surplus.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A price ceiling usually reduces surplus.
18.
A stable equilibrium is one that cannot be disturbed.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A stable equilibrium can be disturbed, but it will eventually go back to equilibrium.
19.
The opportunity cost of any decision is the value of the next best alternative that is not chosen.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because opportunity cost refers to the value of the next best alternative that is forgone when making a decision. It represents the benefits that could have been gained from choosing the alternative option. By considering the opportunity cost, individuals or businesses can make more informed decisions by evaluating the trade-offs involved in choosing one option over another.
20.
Removing a tariff on imported sugar will likely push the demand curve for candy bars out to the right.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Removing a tariff on sugar lowers input cost which shifts the supply curve to the right.
21.
In one week, the Wicked Witch can knit 15 sweaters or bake 480 cookies. The opportunity cost per cookie for the Wicked Witch is:
Correct Answer
E. 1/32 of a sweater
Explanation
15/480 = 1/32
22.
If there is a shortage of convenient parking spaces on campus, economists would argue that it is because:
Correct Answer
B. The price of these spaces is below equilibrium
Explanation
When the price is above equilibrium there is a surplus. When the price is below equilibrium there is a shortage.
23.
Ruling out the possibility of growth, productive efficiency implies:
Correct Answer
C. The impossibility of gains in one good without losses in another
Explanation
Productive efficiency refers to the situation where goods and services are produced at the lowest possible cost. It means that resources are being utilized in the most efficient way to maximize output. If productive efficiency is achieved, it implies that there can be no gains in the production of one good without incurring losses in the production of another. This is because resources are already being used optimally, and any reallocation would result in a decrease in output in one area to increase it in another. Therefore, the correct answer is "the impossibility of gains in one good without losses in another."
24.
Ann and Bob are business partners. Ann can type a one page letter every 5 minutes or audit one page of accounting every 15 minutes. Bob can either type a one page letter or audit one page of accounting every 10 minutes. Both work until all the office's business is taken care of. Both would also like to get home as soon as possible. Which statement is true?
Correct Answer
E. None of the above is true.
Explanation
None of the above statements is true because Ann has a comparative advantage in auditing (15 minutes per page) compared to Bob (10 minutes per page), while Bob has a comparative advantage in typing (10 minutes per page) compared to Ann (5 minutes per page). Therefore, it would be more efficient for Ann to focus on auditing and for Bob to focus on typing, rather than splitting the tasks equally.
25.
The "invisible hand" described by Adam Smith refers to the:
Correct Answer
A. Allocative role of markets and market forces.
Explanation
The "invisible hand" described by Adam Smith refers to the allocative role of markets and market forces. According to Smith, when individuals pursue their own self-interest in a competitive market, they unintentionally promote the well-being of society as a whole. The "invisible hand" metaphorically represents the way in which market forces, such as supply and demand, guide resources to their most efficient and productive uses, resulting in the optimal allocation of goods and services. This concept highlights the importance of free markets and the limited role of government intervention in achieving economic efficiency.
26.
A tax is placed on the seller of a good. The tax has the effect of shifting the:
Correct Answer
C. Supply curve to the left.
Explanation
This is the same as increasing the price of an input.
27.
Ramon earns $20 an hour, Sam earns $30 an hour, Evan earns $40 and hour, and Tabitha earns $50 an hour. The "price of friendship" is likely highest for which person?
Correct Answer
D. Tabitha
Explanation
The "price of friendship" refers to the cost or value of maintaining a friendship. In this context, it is likely that Tabitha has the highest "price of friendship" because she earns the highest hourly wage among the given individuals. This suggests that Tabitha may have higher expenses or a more demanding lifestyle, which could potentially impact the cost or effort required to maintain a friendship with her.
28.
If good B is a complement to good A, then a drop in the price of B:
Correct Answer
B. Increases the demand for A
Explanation
When two goods are complements, they are typically consumed together. Therefore, a drop in the price of good B would make it more affordable and attractive to consumers, leading to an increase in the demand for good B. Since good B is a complement to good A, an increase in the demand for good B would result in an increase in the demand for good A as well. Thus, a drop in the price of good B increases the demand for good A.
29.
Civics and Cobalts are substitutes. If the price of Cobalts rises, which of the following will happen?
Correct Answer
B. The demand curve for Civics will shift to the right.
Explanation
When two goods are substitutes, an increase in the price of one good will lead to an increase in the demand for the other good. In this case, since Civics and Cobalts are substitutes, if the price of Cobalts rises, consumers will be less willing to purchase Cobalts and will instead shift their demand towards Civics. Therefore, the demand curve for Civics will shift to the right.
30.
If the quantity demanded for a certain product was relatively unresponsive to a change in price, this would be represented in a supply and demand diagram as:
Correct Answer
A. A steep slope for the demand curve.
Explanation
A steep slope for the demand curve represents a relatively unresponsive quantity demanded to a change in price. This means that even if there is a significant change in price, the quantity demanded does not change much. A steep slope indicates that consumers are not very sensitive to price changes and are willing to pay a higher price for the product.
31.
Saccharin and aspartame are both low-calorie substitutes for sugar. If saccharin is found to be a cause of cancer,
Correct Answer
A. The price of aspartame will increase
Explanation
If saccharin is found to be a cause of cancer, it is likely that consumers will start looking for alternative low-calorie substitutes for sugar. As aspartame is another popular low-calorie substitute, the demand for it will increase. With an increase in demand, the price of aspartame will also increase due to the higher level of consumer interest and demand.
32.
Studies at Cornell University indicate that chickens grow 2 percent more weight when a red mitten is placed in their cage and Vivaldi is played in the chicken coop. Estimates of the resulting chicken feed savings are about $60 million a year. How does this show up in the market for chickens.
Correct Answer
D. The supply curve shifts to the right.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the supply curve shifts to the right. This means that the quantity supplied of chickens will increase at every given price level. The reason for this is that the red mitten and Vivaldi music in the chicken coop result in chickens growing 2 percent more weight, which leads to increased chicken production. As a result, there will be more chickens available in the market, causing the supply curve to shift to the right.
33.
Generally speaking, the PPF does not give us information about which of the following:
Correct Answer
A. Prices
Explanation
The PPF, or Production Possibility Frontier, is a graphical representation of the different combinations of two goods that an economy can produce given its resources and technology. It shows the trade-off between producing one good over another. While the PPF provides information about opportunity costs, input specialization, and efficiency, it does not directly provide information about prices. Prices are determined by the interaction of supply and demand in the market, which is not explicitly represented in the PPF.
34.
We observe that the price of food falls while the quantity purchased rises. This means the
Correct Answer
D. Supply curve shifted to the right.
Explanation
The given answer is incorrect. According to the information provided, the price of food falls while the quantity purchased rises. This indicates an increase in demand, as consumers are willing to buy more food at a lower price. Therefore, the correct answer should be "demand curve shifted to the right."
35.
A minimum wage that is set below the equilibrium wage rate will:
Correct Answer
D. Do nothing whatsoever.
Explanation
If a minimum wage is set below the equilibrium wage rate, it means that it is lower than the market-clearing wage. In this case, the minimum wage would have no effect on the labor market because it is not binding. Employers would still be able to hire workers at the equilibrium wage rate or even lower if they choose to. Therefore, the minimum wage being set below the equilibrium wage rate would do nothing whatsoever.
36.
Comparative advantage
Correct Answer
B. Leads to the greatest world output.
Explanation
Comparative advantage refers to the ability of a producer to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost compared to other producers. This means that the producer can produce more of a certain product using fewer resources than any other producer. As a result, when countries specialize in producing goods or services in which they have a comparative advantage, it leads to the greatest world output. By focusing on producing what they are relatively more efficient at, countries can maximize their overall production and benefit from trade with other countries that have different comparative advantages.
37.
Suppose Mathilda is considering producing a new product. After doing some market research she suspects that hte supply curve for this good will intersect the vertical axis above the demand curve. If this is the case, which of the following will hold?
Correct Answer
C. None of this good will be produced or sold.
Explanation
If the supply curve for the new product intersects the vertical axis above the demand curve, it means that the price at which suppliers are willing to produce and sell the product is higher than the price at which consumers are willing to buy it. As a result, there will be no equilibrium point where the quantity supplied equals the quantity demanded. Therefore, none of the good will be produced or sold.
38.
If the PPF is linear
Correct Answer
E. None of the above is true.
Explanation
If the PPF is linear, it means that the opportunity costs remain constant as one moves along the frontier. Therefore, the correct answer is "none of the above is true" because none of the statements accurately describe the characteristics of a linear PPF.
39.
Individuals who buy a good at a known price in one market to sell at a known price in another market are typically known as
Correct Answer
D. Arbitragers
Explanation
Arbitrage - buy low in one market and sell high in another market.
40.
If you ignore extraneous information in order to concentrate on the problem at hand, you are engaged in the process of
Correct Answer
D. Abstraction
Explanation
When you ignore extraneous information in order to concentrate on the problem at hand, you are engaged in the process of abstraction. Abstraction involves focusing on the essential aspects or principles of a problem while disregarding unnecessary details. It allows for simplification and generalization, helping to clarify and understand complex concepts or situations. This process is commonly used in various fields, such as mathematics, computer science, and philosophy, to analyze and solve problems effectively.
41.
Steel workers in the U.S. are constantly arguing for curbs on the volume of imported steel. This in fact is to produce a
Correct Answer
B. Rightward shift in the demand curve of American steel.
Explanation
Steel workers in the U.S. arguing for curbs on imported steel suggests that they want to reduce the volume of steel being imported into the country. By doing so, they aim to increase the demand for American steel, as consumers would have fewer options for imported steel and would therefore be more likely to purchase domestically produced steel. This would result in a rightward shift in the demand curve of American steel, indicating an increase in demand for the product.