2.4 Critique of the maximising behaviour of consumers and producers Flashcards
rational behaviour
people know what they want, can weigh up various choices they have effectively, and will always make choices that maximise their satisfaction (utility).
What is rational consumer choice
Consumers are assumed to act in their best self-interest, trying to maximize the satisfaction they receive from their economic decision
Assumptions of rational consumer choice
consumer rationality
utility maximization
perfect information
Explain consumer rationality
Consumers make purchasing decision based on their tastes and preferences which satisfy three assumptions
Ability to rank a good
Preferences among alternative choices are consistent
Consumers always prefers more of a good to less
Explain utility maximization
Consumers maximize their utility by buying the combination of goods and services that results in the greatest amount of utility for a given amount of money spent
Explain perfect information
Assumed that consumers have at their disposal perfect information about all other alternatives so that there is no uncertainty - consumer has knowledge of all possible products n product qualities and prices
what are the limitations to these assumptions
biases
bounded rationality
bounded self control
bounded selfishness
imperfect information
Explain biases and different types of biases
Bias refers to systemic errors in thinking. Ex;
Rule of thumb — guidelines based on experience and common sense
Anchoring — involves the use of irrelevant information to make decisions, due to it being the first piece of info consumers come across
Framing — how choices are presented to decision makers
Availability — refers to info that is most recently available which people tend to rely more heavily on
Explain bounded rationality
Idea that consumers are rational within limits, as consumer rationality is limited by consumers insufficient information, the costliness of obtaining information and the limitations of the human mind
Explain bounded self control
The idea that people in reality exercise self-control within limits - often do not have self-control required to make rational decisions
Explain bounded selfishness
The idea that people are selfish within limits
Explain imperfect information
Consumers do not and cannot possibly have such full access to information, meaning they are unable to maximize utility as they make choices based on incomplete information
What is the nudge theory
A method designed to influence consumers choices in a predictable way, without offering financial incentives or imposing sanctions and without limiting choice
What is choice architecture
The design of particular ways or environments in which people make choices; consumers make decisions in a particular context and that choices of decision makers are influenced by how options are presented to them
Default choice - choice made by default means doing the option that results when one does nothing e.x default choice in organ donation
Restricted choice - choice that is limited by the goverment e.x speed limit
Mandate choice — choice between alternatives that is made mandatory
What is rational produce behavior
Firms are guided by the goal to maximize profit
