Chapter 1: Introduction :))) Flashcards
1
Q
7 lessons from microeconomics
A
- People face trade-offs
- The cost of something is what you give up for it
- Rational people think at a margin
- People respond to incentives
- Trade can make everyone better off
- Markets are usually a good way to organise economic activity
- Governments can sometimes improve market outcomes
2
Q
People Face Trade Offs
A
- To get 1 thing, we must give up another
- > efficiency vs equity
- -> society makes the most of scarce resources
- -> or distribute these resources evenly
3
Q
The cost of something is what you give up for it
A
- > Opportunity cost
- -> The value of the 2nd good forgone,
- -> Refers to the good/service consumers/producers giving up the 2nd most valued good for what they desired most at the time.
4
Q
Rational people think at a margin
A
-> consumers / firms use informational to weigh up pros and cons to make best decision w/ highest net benefit,
- > Marginal changes
- -> small changes made to a plan
-> people make decisions based on costs/benefits at a margin
5
Q
People Respond to incentives
A
- > incentive
- -> induces someone to act
- > respond to incentives due to making decisions by comparing costs / benefits
- > eg. baby birth free money 1 july
6
Q
Trade can make everyone better off
A
-> competition results in gains from trading