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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the fundamental problem that economics seeks to address?

  • The allocation of scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants. (correct)
  • The methods for increasing production efficiency in manufacturing.
  • The disparity between government spending and tax revenue.
  • The fluctuations in stock market prices.

Which branch of economics studies the behavior of individual consumers and firms?

  • Macroeconomics
  • Monetary Economics
  • Public Sector Economics
  • Microeconomics (correct)

What is the primary focus of macroeconomics?

  • National-level economic phenomena. (correct)
  • Individual market prices.
  • The internal operations of business firms.
  • The financial decisions of individual households.

What distinguishes normative economics from positive economics?

<p>Normative economics involves subjective value judgments, while positive economics is objective. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of opportunity cost?

<p>The value of the next best alternative forgone. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'free good'?

<p>Sunlight. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which economic sector involves the extraction of raw materials?

<p>Primary Sector (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of durable goods?

<p>They are long-lasting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GDP measure?

<p>The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between GDP and GNI?

<p>GNI includes income earned abroad, while GDP only includes domestic income. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a leading economic indicator?

<p>Stock prices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the business cycle is unemployment typically at its highest?

<p>Recession (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key components of sustainable development?

<p>Recycling, fair labor practices, and technological progress. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following policies would a government likely implement to promote sustainable practices?

<p>Offering subsidies for renewable energy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge in applying the scientific method to economic research?

<p>The inability to conduct controlled experiments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'relative scarcity'?

<p>Resources are available but unaffordable for many. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be classified as capital, according to the four factors of production?

<p>A factory building (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a 'nondurable good'?

<p>Gasoline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do financial institutions play in the circular flow model?

<p>They facilitate savings and provide loans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a country's GDP is increasing, but its GNI is decreasing, what might this indicate?

<p>Increased domestic production by foreign-owned firms with profits sent abroad. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which economic indicator is most likely to decrease during an economic expansion?

<p>Unemployment rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'informal sector' of an economy?

<p>Unregistered businesses not included in official statistics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During a recession, which population group is likely to experience the most significant adverse effects?

<p>Economically vulnerable populations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to calculating GDP involves summing up all spending on final goods and services?

<p>Expenditure Approach (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is most closely associated with the basic economic problem?

<p>Scarcity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of entrepreneurship in the factors of production?

<p>To combine land, labor, and capital to create goods and services. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a society decides to increase military spending, what economic concept explains the resulting decrease in funds available for education?

<p>Opportunity cost. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding counter-cyclic indicators?

<p>They move in the opposite direction of the economy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of disposable income for households?

<p>It is the income available for spending or saving after taxes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges significantly hinders the achievement of sustainable development?

<p>Exploitation of labor. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of increased government spending on infrastructure during a recession?

<p>It would stimulate economic activity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in exchange rates affect a country's economy?

<p>They influence the price of exports and imports. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a country experiences a significant increase in its savings levels, what potential endogenous effect might this have on the business cycle?

<p>It could result in decreased aggregate demand and a potential economic slowdown. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider an economy where the government implements a new policy that significantly reduces environmental pollution but also increases production costs for businesses. How would this scenario likely affect the calculation of GDP and GNI, and what broader economic considerations would need to be evaluated?

<p>GDP would likely decrease due to higher production costs, while GNI might increase if the policy leads to improved public health and productivity; broader considerations include the long-term benefits of environmental quality versus short-term economic costs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a nation discovers a massive reserve of previously unknown natural resources within its borders. Simultaneously, there is a global shift towards renewable energy sources, diminishing the international demand for these newly found resources. Analyze how this situation could impact the nation's economic indicators, its sustainable development goals, and its strategic policy decisions.

<p>The nation may experience short-term economic gains, but face challenges in achieving long-term sustainable development due to decreased global demand, necessitating strategic diversification and investment in renewable energy sectors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of economic models?

<p>To provide simplified representations of complex economic activities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of psychological factors as possible causes for business cycles?

<p>They affect investment decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which economic question focuses on the appropriate technology and resource mix for production?

<p>How to produce? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of economics focuses on the economic effects of government activities?

<p>Public Sector Economics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning involves forming new theories from observed data?

<p>Inductive Reasoning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor of production encompasses all naturally occurring resources used in the creation of goods and services?

<p>Land (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sector of the economy is primarily involved in transforming raw materials into finished products?

<p>Secondary Sector (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What represents the income available to households for spending or saving after taxes?

<p>Disposable Income (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a supportive governmental action for promoting sustainability?

<p>Offering subsidies for renewable energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which economic participant provides labor and receives income in the circular flow model?

<p>Households (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to calculating GDP involves summing all incomes earned in an economy?

<p>Income Approach (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a leading economic indicator?

<p>Stock prices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the business cycle is characterized by decreasing economic growth and rising unemployment?

<p>Recession (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of economic indicator moves in the opposite direction of the overall economy?

<p>Countercyclic Indicator (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the intrinsic challenge in economic research?

<p>The difficulty in controlling variables due to human behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of 'free goods' in economics?

<p>They have no opportunity cost. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is characteristic of the primary sector?

<p>Extracting minerals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a country's GDP is increasing while its GNI is decreasing, what could this indicate?

<p>Increased foreign ownership of domestic assets (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes MOST to sustainable economic development?

<p>Technological advancements that improve resource efficiency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the circular flow model, what is exchanged in the factor market?

<p>Labor, land, and capital (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does GNI measure that GDP does not?

<p>The total income earned by a country's residents, regardless of where it was earned (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sector includes unregistered businesses not measured in official GDP statistics?

<p>Informal Sector (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During an economic recession, which group typically experiences the greatest negative impact?

<p>Economically vulnerable populations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of monetary economics?

<p>The role of money and its effects on the economy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in maintaining all variables constant except one in economic research?

<p>The complexity of human behavior (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical effect of increased savings levels on the business cycle?

<p>Decreased consumer spending and potential economic contraction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do exchange rates primarily affect a country's economy?

<p>By influencing the prices of exports and imports (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the business cycle is inflation MOST likely to increase?

<p>Prosperity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely short-term economic effect of increased government spending on infrastructure during a recession?

<p>Increased aggregate demand (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do economic models use simplified representations of economic activities?

<p>To focus on key relationships and predict outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of psychological factors in causing business cycles?

<p>They affect consumer and investor confidence, influencing economic decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST describes the relationship between GDP and GNI?

<p>GDP focuses on production within a country, while GNI focuses on income earned by residents. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A new regulation significantly reduces environmental pollution but increases production costs for businesses. How would this likely affect GDP and GNI?

<p>GDP might decrease due to higher production costs, while GNI's change depends on income distribution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A country discovers a large reserve of natural resources, but global demand decreases. What impact?

<p>Its economic indicators may not improve substantially and may face challenges in sustainable development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant limitation of using per capita income as a measure of economic well-being?

<p>It does not reflect income distribution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might be a long-term consequence of governmental actions focused solely on regulatory measures for environmental sustainability?

<p>Less expenditure by the private sector which will limit potential investments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider the impact of a sudden, unexpected surge in technological advancements on aggregate supply. What differentiating effect will affect GDP?

<p>A potential increase in GDP, contingent on corresponding heightened aggregate demand to absorb the increased supply. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compare two countries: Country A, which prioritizes short-term economic gains through unsustainable resource exploitation, and Country B, which invests heavily in renewable energy and resource conservation, accepting slower short-term growth. How would the standard indicators differ and what are the long-term economic and sustainability implications?

<p>Country A would show higher, standard economic indicators and outperform sustainably, but may face long term problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why economics studies resource allocation?

<p>To analyze how to distribute limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which economic question deals with selecting the mix of resources and technology for production?

<p>How to produce? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning involves forming general theories from specific observations?

<p>Inductive reasoning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor of production includes all naturally occurring resources used in production?

<p>Land (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sector of the economy transforms raw materials into finished goods?

<p>Secondary sector (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for income available to households for spending or saving after taxes?

<p>Disposable income (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which governmental action supports environmental sustainability?

<p>Tax incentives for renewable energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do households primarily play in the circular flow model?

<p>Providing labor and purchasing goods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach calculates GDP by summing all incomes earned in an economy?

<p>Income approach (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following economic indicators typically signals future economic changes?

<p>Leading indicator (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the business cycle features decreasing economic growth and rising unemployment?

<p>Recession (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of economic indicator moves inversely to the overall economy?

<p>Counter cyclic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difficulty in applying the scientific method to economic research?

<p>Inability to perform laboratory experiments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of 'free goods' in economics?

<p>Zero opportunity cost (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is typical of the primary sector of an economy?

<p>Extracting minerals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a country's GDP is increasing while its GNI is decreasing, what does this likely indicate?

<p>Increased outflow of income to foreign entities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes MOST to sustainable economic development?

<p>Investment in renewable resources and resource efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sector includes unregistered businesses and is typically not measured in official GDP statistics?

<p>Informal sector (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a new regulation significantly reduces environmental pollution but increases production costs for businesses. How would this likely affect GDP and GNI?

<p>GDP might decrease due to higher costs, while GNI reflects income changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A country discovers a large reserve of natural resources, but global demand decreases. What potential impact could this have?

<p>Ambiguous effect; GDP might not change as resource demand has fallen. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compare two countries: Country A prioritizes short-term economic gains through unsustainable resource exploitation, and Country B invests heavily in renewable energy and resource conservation, accepting slower short-term growth. How would the standard indicators differ and what are the long-term economic and sustainability implications?

<p>Country A will show high GDP initially but face depletion; Country B will have steady sustainable growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If there is an increase in supply but demand remains unchanged, what is the likely effect on equilibrium price and quantity?

<p>Price decreases, quantity increases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a government intervention, such as price controls, affect market outcomes?

<p>May cause shortages or surpluses (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within a neoclassical growth model framework, assuming a closed economy initially in a steady-state, what would be the most intricate long-term consequence if the government increases its current expenditure without a corresponding increase in taxation or productivity?

<p>A reduction in the steady-state level of capital per effective worker, exacerbating intertemporal inefficiencies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of endogenous growth theory, an economy decides to substantially reduce investment in higher education while simultaneously increasing subsidies for firms that engage in technological imitation rather than innovation. What would be the most profound long-term implication of these policy changes on the economy's growth trajectory?

<p>An erosion of indigenous innovative capacity, positioning the economy on a suboptimal growth trajectory characterized by diminishing returns to imitation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assume the central bank of a small open economy credibly announces a permanent reduction in its inflation target. According to the Mundell-Fleming model with perfect capital mobility and flexible exchange rates, what would be the immediate and intricate impact on the nominal exchange rate and output?

<p>An immediate appreciation of the domestic currency and a contraction in output as net exports decline. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a country's central bank implements a negative interest rate policy (NIRP). According to conventional macroeconomic theory, what is the most intricate and profound mechanism through which NIRP is expected to stimulate aggregate demand?

<p>By incentivizing banks to increase lending by penalizing excess reserves held at the central bank, leading to increased investment and consumption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An economy is characterized by a Phillips curve with adaptive expectations. If the central bank attempts to persistently target an unemployment rate below the natural rate of unemployment, what would be the most intricate and long-term consequence for inflation and inflationary expectations?

<p>A continuous acceleration of inflation as inflationary expectations perpetually adjust upwards. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of optimal currency area (OCA) theory, consider two countries contemplating monetary union. Country A is highly susceptible to asymmetric shocks, while Country B has a more diversified economy and flexible labor markets. What intricate condition, if absent, would most likely undermine the success of the monetary union?

<p>A robust mechanism for fiscal transfers to compensate Country A for adverse shocks that affect A disproportionately. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a developing economy heavily reliant on commodity exports. What represents the most intricate vulnerability this economy faces in the context of the Prebisch-Singer hypothesis?

<p>A long-term decline in the terms of trade, leading to reduced import capacity and constrained development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a neoclassical growth model with technological progress, what is the most intricate implication of assuming that the rate of technological progress is endogenous and depends positively on the stock of human capital?

<p>The economy can sustain long-run per capita growth driven by continuous improvements in human capital and technology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP), if country A experiences a substantially higher rate of inflation than country B, what intricate adjustment would be expected in the exchange rate between their currencies?

<p>Country A's currency would depreciate to maintain the relative purchasing power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of rational expectations, if a government announces a future tax cut that is not accompanied by any change in current government spending, what would be the most intricate anticipated effect on current private consumption, assuming perfect capital markets and no liquidity constraints?

<p>Current private consumption would remain unchanged due to Ricardian equivalence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a small open economy operating under a fixed exchange rate regime. If the domestic central bank attempts to implement an expansionary monetary policy, what intricate sequence of events would most likely ensue, assuming perfect capital mobility and rational expectations?

<p>The expansionary monetary policy would cause a fully offsetting capital outflow, restoring the money supply to its original level and negating any impact on output. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most intricate long-term effect for the long run aggregate supply curve (LRAS) if a country decreases the tax rate on capital gains?

<p>The LRAS will shift to the right, indicating an expansion in the natural level of output. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the Solow-Swan growth model, what is the most intricate immediate effect on the growth rate and the steady state level of capital per worker when the savings rate increases?

<p>The growth rate increases, while the steady state level of capital per worker increases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a scenario where a country's labor force participation rate declines sharply due to an aging population. How would this demographic shift most intricately affect the country's long-run aggregate supply (LRAS) curve, all other factors being equal?

<p>The LRAS curve would shift to the left, indicating a decrease in potential output. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a country experiences a sudden and unexpected increase in total factor productivity (TFP). According to the Solow growth model, what is the most intricate set of initial and long-run effects on the economy's output and capital stock?

<p>Output and capital stock both increase immediately, converging to a new, higher steady state in the long run. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider an economy where the central bank credibly commits to a strict inflation-targeting regime. If a large, but temporary, negative supply shock occurs, what would be the most intricate policy response by the central bank and its resulting impact on output and inflation?

<p>The central bank would aggressively raise interest rates, stabilizing inflation quickly but causing a contraction in output. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Mundell-Fleming model with imperfect capital mobility, if a small open economy experiences a sudden decrease in global interest rates, what would be the most intricate effect on its domestic interest rate, exchange rate, and output under a flexible exchange rate regime?

<p>The domestic interest rate would decrease, the exchange rate would depreciate, and output would increase. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an economy's aggregate production function exhibits increasing returns to scale, what is the most intricate implication for long-run economic growth?

<p>The economy can sustain exponential growth without exogenous technological progress. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Ricardian equivalence proposition, if a government finances current spending through borrowing instead of taxation, what would be the most intricate effect on private savings and consumption in the economy, assuming rational expectations and perfect capital markets?

<p>Private savings would increase, offsetting the government borrowing, leaving consumption unchanged. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the presence of a binding zero lower bound on nominal interest rates, what is the most intricate implication for the effectiveness of conventional monetary policy in stimulating aggregate demand during a severe recession?

<p>Conventional monetary policy becomes ineffective as further reductions in interest rates are impossible. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider an economy with sticky prices and wages. If the central bank unexpectedly increases the money supply, what is the most intricate short-run effect on real GDP and the price level?

<p>Real GDP increases, and the price level increases somewhat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given the Quantity Theory of Money, what is the most intricate consequence of doubling the money supply in an economy, assuming velocity of money and real output remains constant?

<p>Price level doubles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assume an economy with rational expectations and flexible prices. If the central bank announces a future increase in the money supply, what is the most intricate effect on the current price level and real output?

<p>The price level increases, and real output remains unchanged. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the IS-LM model, what intricate sequence of events is most likely from an exogenous increase in government spending if the economy is operating in a liquidity trap?

<p>Interest rates remain unchanged, investment remains unchanged, and output increases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider a country that is running a persistent current account deficit. According to the intertemporal approach to the current account, what intricate set of conditions would justify this deficit as being sustainable in the long run?

<p>The country is investing in productive capital that will generate higher future income, offsetting the current borrowing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most intricate channel by which quantitative easing (QE) is expected to stimulate aggregate demand in an economy facing a binding zero lower bound on nominal interest rates?

<p>By reducing long-term interest rates, stimulating investment and consumption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

With free movement of capital, what would be the MOST intricate policy option a government can implement to increase output if the economy is experiencing a recession?

<p>Increase government spending. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most intricate set of effects that an unexpected increase in government spending has on output, interest rates, and the exchange rate assuming the economy is operating under a flexible exchange rate regime and there is perfect capital mobility?

<p>Output increases, interest rates increase, and the exchange rate appreciates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider an economy that is initially in long-run equilibrium. If there is a permanent and credible announcement of a future increase in government spending, what intricate effect would this have on current output and the current price level?

<p>Both current output and the current price level would increase. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the intricate long-run effect of a permanent increase in government spending in an economy where the central bank follows a strict inflation-targeting policy?

<p>Output will remain unchanged, and inflation will remain at the target level. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of New Keynesian economics, what is the most intricate mechanism through which sticky wages and prices contribute to the persistence of business cycles?

<p>Sticky wages and prices cause delayed adjustments to shocks, prolonging deviations from the long-run equilibrium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of optimal control theory applied to monetary policy, consider a central bank that aims to minimize deviations of both inflation and output from their respective targets. What intricate consideration must the central bank address when assigning weights to these two objectives in its loss function?

<p>The central bank should assign a higher weight to inflation stability if it is more concerned about long-term price stability and credibility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Laffer curve, what intricate economic rationalization most accurately explains the theoretical possibility that reducing tax rates could increase total tax revenue?

<p>Lower tax rates reduce the incentive to engage in tax avoidance and evasion, as well as promote greater economic activity and investment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Economics

The social science of allocating scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs.

Scarcity

The core economic issue where unlimited wants exceed limited resources.

What to Produce?

Deciding which goods and services to produce with limited resources.

How to Produce?

Determining the production methods and technologies to use.

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For Whom to Produce?

Deciding who will receive the produced goods and services.

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Microeconomics

Analyzes decisions of individuals and firms, influencing prices and resource allocation

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Macroeconomics

Studies the overall economy, dealing with issues like unemployment and inflation.

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Monetary Economics

The branch of economics dealing with the role of money and its effects.

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Public Sector Economics

Studies government's economic activities and role in the economy.

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Developmental Economics

Studies policies promoting economic development in less developed countries.

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Labor Economics

Analyzes labor supply/demand and effects on wages and employment.

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Environmental Economics

Economic issues with environmental implications.

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International Economics

Focuses on international trade and finance between countries.

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Positive Economics

Objective analysis describing economic phenomena without value judgments.

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Normative Economics

Value judgments on what the economy should be like.

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Absolute Scarcity

Resources insufficient to produce a good despite its availability.

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Relative Scarcity

Resources sufficient, but inaccessible due to economic constraints.

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Free Goods

Naturally available resources provided without cost.

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Economic Goods

Goods requiring scarce resources to produce, thus requiring payment.

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Opportunity Cost

Foregone benefit of the next best alternative when making a choice.

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Land

All natural resources used to produce goods and services.

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Labor

Human effort to create products and services.

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Capital

The tools, machinery, and buildings used in production.

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Entrepreneurship

Combining land, labor, and capital to create goods and services.

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Primary Sector

Extraction of natural resources.

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Secondary Sector

Manufacturing and processing of raw materials.

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Tertiary Sector

Provides services rather than tangible goods.

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Public Sector

Government-controlled enterprises and services.

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Private Sector

Businesses owned by individuals or corporations.

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Formal Sector

Registered businesses included in official GDP statistics.

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Informal Sector

Unregistered businesses not in official economic statistics.

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Durable Goods

Long-lasting goods such as appliances and vehicles.

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Semidurable Goods

Goods like clothing and footwear.

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Nondurable Goods

Items consumed immediately, like food and fuel.

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Services

Intangible products like banking and healthcare.

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Households

Main consumers of goods and services.

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Businesses

Purchase capital goods to produce other goods and services.

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Disposable Income

Portion of income available for spending or saving after taxes.

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Sustainable Development

Economic growth without depleting resources or harming health.

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Real Flow

Movement of goods and services in the economy.

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Monetary Flow

Movement of money in exchange for goods, services, and labor.

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Economic Models

A simplified depiction of economic activity, showing interactions and predicting outcomes.

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Scientific Method in Economics

A systematic approach to research including question formulation, investigation, and conclusion.

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Difficulties in Economic Research

Challenges occur due to unpredictable human behaviors; controlled experiments are often impractical.

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Government (Consumer Group)

Government investments in public goods and services benefitting society.

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Exchange Rates

Rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another, facilitating global trade.

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Governmental Regulatory Measures (Sustainability)

Regulatory measures such as bans and taxes designed to curb environmentally harmful activities.

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Governmental Supportive Measures (Sustainability)

Governmental measures, like subsidies, that incentivize environmentally friendly practices.

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Expenditure Approach (GDP)

Total spending on final goods and services in the economy. (GDP = C + I + G + (X-M))

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Income Approach (GDP)

Total income earned from producing goods and services

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Gross National Income (GNI)

The total income earned by a country's nationals, including international production

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Per Capita Income

GDP divided by population; indicates average economic well-being, but ignores distribution.

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Business Cycles

Economic activity marked by fluctuations consisting of prosperity, recession, recovery and boom.

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Leading Indicators

Indicators that signal future economic changes before they occur.

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Lagging Indicators

Confirm changes that have already occurred in the economy.

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Coincident Indicators

Move in tandem with the economy reflecting current activity.

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Procyclical Indicators

Move in the same direction as the economy (e.g., GDP).

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Countercyclic Indicators

Move in the opposite direction of the economy (e.g., unemployment rate).

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Time Series

Data collected over time to track economic changes, like GDP or CPI.

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Prosperity (Business Cycle)

A phase of high economic activity, increasing employment, wages, and standards of living.

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Recession (Business Cycle)

A phase of decreasing economic growth, output, and employment, leading to a downturn.

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Recovery (Business Cycle)

A phase of gradual improvement in economic conditions and a return to growth.

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Boom (Business Cycle)

Peak economic performance just before a potential downturn.

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Exogenous Reasons (Business Cycles)

External factors, e.g., natural disasters, affecting the economy.

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Endogenous Reasons (Business Cycles)

Internal economic factors, e.g., investment fluctuations, causing business cycles.

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Aggregate Demand (AD)

Total demand for goods and services in the economy.

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Aggregate Supply (AS)

Total supply of goods and services available in an economy.

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The Economic Problem?

The constant decision-making required to allocate limited resources efficiently.

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Deductive Reasoning (Economics)

Developing hypotheses from existing theories and testing them against data.

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Inductive Reasoning (Economics)

Observing data to develop new economic theories.

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Goods Market?

Where goods and services are exchanged among businesses, households, and the government.

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Factor Market?

Place where factors of production (land, labor, capital) are traded.

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Product Approach (GDP)?

Sum of all outputs produced within a country's borders.

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Economically Vulnerable Populations?

Economic fluctuations affect this population's standard of living and employment opportunities

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Circular Flow Model

The continuous movement of money and goods among economic agents and markets.

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Product Approach to GDP

GDP calculation adding all final outputs produced in a country.

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What is GDP?

Gross Domestic Product, a measure of total economic activity within a country.

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Importance of Sustainable Economic Development

Sustainable development integrates ethics with efficient, equitable resource management.

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Challenges to Sustainability

Challenges to achieving sustainable development, like pollution and labor exploitation.

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Effects of Business Cycles

Phases impact economic growth, jobs, prices, and exchange rates.

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Study Notes

  • Economics is a social science; it studies how entities allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs.
  • Resource scarcity requires prioritizing needs due to finite resources, necessitating choices about which needs to fulfill and which to forgo.
  • The core challenge in economics is scarcity due to limitless human wants and limited resources.
  • Scarcity requires individuals and societies to make choices about resource allocation, leading to opportunity costs.

Key Economic Questions:

  • What goods and services to produce with limited resources?
  • How should goods and services be produced using what methods and technologies?
  • Who receives the created goods and services?

Approaches of Economics:

  • Data and observation informs economic theories.
  • Deductive reasoning tests theories against data.
  • Inductive reasoning develops theories from data observation.
  • Economists gather data and observe economic behavior to form economic theories.

Difficulties in Economic Research:

  • Human behaviors are diverse and unpredictable.
  • Controlled experiments are impractical.
  • Maintaining constant variables, bar one, is challenging, leading to general rather than exact conclusions.
  • Economic research faces challenges due to unpredictable human behaviors and the impracticality of controlled experiments, leading to less precise conclusions.

Absolute vs. Relative Scarcity:

  • Absolute Scarcity: Resources are insufficient, preventing the production of a good, such as a failed potato harvest.
  • Relative Scarcity: Resources are sufficient but inaccessible due to economic constraints.
  • Absolute Scarcity occurs when resources are insufficient to produce a good, like a failed potato harvest.
  • Relative Scarcity exists when resources are sufficient but inaccessible due to economic constraints.

Governmental Actions for Sustainability:

  • Regulatory Measures: Bans and taxes curb harmful activities.
  • Supportive Measures: Subsidies and incentives promote eco-friendly practices.

Participants:

  • Households provide labor, receive income, and purchase goods and services.
  • Businesses hire labor and produce goods and services.
  • Government collects taxes and provides public services and infrastructure.
  • Financial Institutions facilitate savings and provide loans.
  • Foreign Sector engages in trade, affecting imports and exports.
  • The circular flow model describes the interconnections between households, businesses, government, financial institutions, and the foreign sector.

Macroeconomics:

  • Studies the overall functioning of an economy.
  • Addresses issues such as unemployment, inflation, and economic growth.
  • Examines the impact of government policies on the economy.
  • Focuses on broad issues like unemployment, inflation, and economic growth.

Branches of Economics:

  • Microeconomics: Focuses on individual and firm decisions and their market interactions.
  • Macroeconomics: Studies the overall economy, addressing issues like unemployment and inflation.
  • Monetary Economics: Deals with the role of money and its effects on economic variables.
  • Public Sector Economics: Examines the economic activities of government.
  • Developmental Economics: Studies policies for economic development in less developed nations.
  • Labour Economics: Analyzes labor supply and demand and their impact on wages and employment.
  • Environmental Economics: Looks at economic issues with environmental implications.
  • International Economics: Focuses on international trade and finance.

Economic Models:

  • Simplified representations of complex economic activities.
  • Built using data to understand and predict economic interactions and outcomes.
  • Utilized to test hypotheses and make economic predictions.
  • Economic models are critical when testing hypotheses and making economic predictions.

Positive vs. Normative Economics:

  • Positive Economics: Describes and predicts economic phenomena objectively.
  • Normative Economics: Involves value judgments and subjective perspectives on the economy.
  • Positive Economics focuses on describing and predicting economic phenomena without judgment, using objective analysis.
  • Normative Economics involves value judgments and subjective perspectives on what the economy should be like.

Scientific Method in Economics:

  • Involves formulating a question, conducting investigations, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

Basic Economic Problem of Scarcity:

  • Scarcity requires individuals and societies to make choices about resource allocation.
  • Leads to opportunity costs, the foregone benefit of the next best alternative.
  • The foundational economic challenge is scarcity, compelling individuals and societies to make choices due to limited resources.

Free Goods vs. Economic Goods:

  • Free Goods: Naturally available without cost, such as sunlight and air.
  • Economic Goods: Require scarce resources to produce, necessitating payment.

Factors of Production:

  • Land: All natural resources used in production.
  • Labor: Human effort in the creation of products and services.
  • Capital: Tools, machinery, and buildings used in production.
  • Entrepreneurship: Combines the other three factors to create goods and services.

Sectors of the Economy:

  • Primary Sector: Extraction of natural resources.
  • Secondary Sector: Manufacturing and processing activities.
  • Tertiary Sector: Provides services.
  • Public Sector: Government-controlled enterprises and services.
  • Private Sector: Businesses owned by individuals or corporations.
  • Formal Sector: Registered businesses measured in official statistics.
  • Informal Sector: Unregistered businesses not included in official statistics.

Types of Goods:

  • Durable Goods: Long-lasting goods like appliances and vehicles.
  • Semidurable Goods: Such as clothing and footwear.
  • Nondurable Goods: Items consumed immediately, like food and fuel.
  • Services: Intangible products like banking and healthcare.

Consumer Groups:

  • Households: Main consumers of goods and services.
  • Businesses: Purchase capital goods.
  • Government: Invests in public goods and services.

Exchange and Bartering:

  • Disposable Income: Income available for spending or saving after taxes.
  • Exchange Rates: Determine currency exchange values, facilitating international trade.

Sustainable Development:

  • Involves economic growth without depleting natural resources or harming health.
  • Includes recycling, fair labor practices, and resource efficiency.
  • Faces challenges like pollution and labor exploitation.
  • Key components include recycling, fair labor practices, and technological progress that enhances resource efficiency.
  • Issues like pollution, greenhouse effects, and labor exploitation are significant hurdles to achieving sustainable development.
  • Understanding and addressing scarcity involves integrating economic principles with ethical considerations and sustainable practices to manage resources effectively and equitably.

Circular Flow Model:

  • Illustrates the continuous movement of money and goods among economic agents and markets.
  • Real Flow: Movement of goods and services.
  • Monetary Flow: Movement of money in exchange for goods, services, and labor.

Participants in the Economy (Circular Flow Model):

  • Households: Provide labor and receive income to purchase products.
  • Businesses: Hire labor and produce products.
  • Government: Taxes and provides services.
  • Financial Institutions: facilitate savings.
  • Foreign Sector: Engages in trade.

Markets Explored through the Circular Flow Model:

  • Goods Market: For goods and services.
  • Factor Market: For factors of production (land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship).
  • Economic Flows include Production, Income, and Spending which affects the stock levels of resources.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP):

  • Represents the total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country.
  • Can be calculated via the product, expenditure, and income approach. Expenditure approach calculates GDP as GDP = C + I + G + (X – M)
  • It does not account for the distribution of income among the population nor includes production by foreign entities within the country.
  • GDP represents the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in each period.
  • Three approaches to calculate GDP are the product, Expenditure (GDP = C + I + G + (X − M)), and income approaches.

Gross National Income (GNI):

  • Measures the total income earned by a country's nationals, including income from abroad.
  • GDP focuses on domestic production.
  • GNI accounts for all income by the nationals, regardless of where it is earned.
  • Both measures ignore nonmonetary transactions, informal economic activities, and wealth distribution and require adjustments for inflation.
  • GNI measures the total income earned by a country's nationals, including production inside and outside the country, adjusting for payments made to and from abroad.
  • GDP focuses on production within the country while GNI accounts for all income by the nationals, regardless of where it is earned.

Per Capita Income:

  • Calculated by dividing total GDP or GNI by the population.
  • Helps understand the average citizen's economic wellbeing but doesn't address income distribution.
  • Per capita income calculation provides an average income per person, dividing total GDP or GNI by the population.

Economic Indicators

  • Economic indicators analyze changes in a business cycle.
  • Leading indicators: Signal future changes (e.g., stock prices).
  • Lagging indicators: Confirm changes that have already occurred (e.g., unemployment rate).
  • Coincident Indicators: Move in tandem with the economy (e.g., payroll data).
  • Procyclical Indicators: Move in the same direction as the economy (e.g., GDP).
  • Countercyclic Indicators: Move in the opposite direction of the economy (e.g., unemployment rate).

Business Cycles:

  • Cyclical Patterns consist of four phases: prosperity, recession, recovery and boom.
  • Time Series: Data collected over successive time intervals to track economic changes.
  • Cyclical Patterns consist of four phases: prosperity, recession, recovery and boom.

Causes of Business Cycles:

  • Exogenous Reasons: External factors such as natural disasters, political events and monetary policies.
  • Endogenous Reasons: Internal economic factors such as investment, savings and technological changes.
  • Changes in Aggregate Demand (AD): Total demand which comprises Aggregate Supply (AS): Total supply of goods and services available.
  • Aggregate Demand (AD) represents the total demand for goods and services in the economy.
  • Aggregate Supply (AS) represents the total supply of goods and services available.

Effects of Business Cycles:

  • Economic Growth: Expansion phases lead to growth, contraction phases lead to declines.
  • Employment: Job creation increases during booms and decreases during recessions.
  • Price Levels: Inflation tends to rise during expansion.
  • Exchange Rates: Economic strength or weakness can affect the value of the national currency.

Vulnerable Populations:

  • Economically vulnerable groups suffer the most during economic downturns due to reduced income and higher unemployment rates.
  • Government and social services are crucial in supporting these groups, especially during economic downturns.
  • Business cycles disproportionately affect those who are economically vulnerable, impacting their standard of living, employment opportunities, and ability to afford necessities.

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