Ch. 4 Demand Flashcards
What is the economic theory?
Collection of models of simplified representations of economic reality to help understand a variety of economic issues.
Ceteris Paribus means…
All other thing equal
-set aside other relevant factors as unchanged
Demand
The desire, ability, and willingness to buy a product
Demand Schedule
Table that shows the quantities of a good/service that a person will purchase at each price.
Demand Curve
A graph of a demand schedule
Law of Demand
As price falls, quantity demanded rises. As price rises, quantity demanded falls. Inverse relation.
Exception: Luxury and skin care due to social value and quality
What are the 3 behavior patterns of consumers that results in the law of demand?
1) Income Effect
2) Substitution Effect
3) Diminishing Marginal Utility
Income Effect
A change in price alters consumer’s purchasing power. As the price falls, buyers can afford more thus quantity increases.
Substitution Effect
Consumers react to a good’s price by switching to a similar product if the price is too high.
Diminishing Marginal Utility
The more we consume of something, the less satisfaction we get from it. Only buy extra if price falls accordingly.
Change in Demand
The entire demand curve shifts thus creating a new demand curve. A shift to the right means increase in demand; a shift to the left shows a decrease in demand.
Determinants of Demand
Non-price conditions that influence a consumer’s willingness and ability to demand a good.
What are the determinants of demand?
Preference and Taste Related Goods Income Consumers (# of buyers) Expectation of Buyers Substitutes
What is preference and taste?
It is how we view products. It can relate to trends, ads, news, and other social media.
What is related goods?
Complementary products (the use of one increases the use of the other)
What is income (in terms of a determinant)?
Income of consumers changes the demand but depends on type of goods.
- Normal Goods: Income goes up, demand goes up (luxuries)
- Inferior Goods: Income goes up, demand goes down (Top ramen, used cars)
What is consumers (in terms of a determinant)?
The population and target demographics.
What is the expectation of buyers?
Future prices, shortages, surpluses, and new technology.
What are substitutes?
When the price of one item changes, consumers will switch to a similar but cheaper good. (No difference)
Change in Quantity Demanded
More or less units of a good is demanded because the price changes (Law of Demand)
Change in Demand
The demand curve has shifted indicating an increase/decrease at all price levels (Determinants of Demand)
Price Elasticity of Demand
How responsive demand is to a change in price
Elastic Demand
A change in price cause of a change in quantity demanded (very responsive, gradual slope)
Inelastic Demand
A change in price has a very small effect on a quantity demanded (not responsive, steep slope)