1.1 Definition and Questions
1) Scarcity exists because
A) human wants exceed the resources available to satisfy them.
B) some individuals have low income.
C) the costs of production are high.
D) some people make bad economic decisions.
E) people take too much leisure time.
Answer: A
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
2) Scarcity
A) is the inability to satisfy all our wants.
B) leads to higher prices.
C) applies only to people living in poverty.
D) is not something that affects very rich people.
E) used to exist everywhere but has been eliminated in advanced economies.
Answer: A
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
3) Scarcity requires that we
A) produce efficiently.
B) learn to limit our wants.
C) have the most rapid economic growth possible.
D) have unlimited resources.
E) make choices about what goods and services to produce.
Answer: E
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
4) Scarcity means that
A) what we can produce with our resources is greater than our material wants.
B) resources are unlimited.
C) wants are greater than what we can produce with our resources.
D) governments must make up for shortages in resources.
E) choices made in self-interest cannot be the same as those made in the social interest.
Answer: C
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Revised
AACSB: Reflective thinking
5) Because human wants are insatiable and unlimited while available resources are limited, people are said to face the problem of
A) scarcity.
B) why to produce.
C) macroeconomics.
D) microeconomics.
E) social interest versus self-interest.
Answer: A
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
6) Which of the following statements best describes the study of economics? Economics studies how
A) to organize production so that scarcity does not occur.
B) firms make profits.
C) we make choices in the face of scarcity.
D) to create incentives so that scarcity does not exist.
E) businesses reach decisions.
Answer: C
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
7) Scarcity forces people to
A) choose among available alternatives.
B) cheat and steal.
C) be unwilling to help others.
D) live at a low standard of living.
E) consume as much as they can as quickly as they can.
Answer: A
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
8) Scarcity means we must
A) consume less.
B) produce less.
C) make choices.
D) earn more.
E) work more.
Answer: C
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
9) What is the reason that all economic issues and problems occur?
A) All nations use some form of money to buy and sell goods and services.
B) Humans are always wasteful and inefficient in production and consumption.
C) Powerful governments are able to control production and consumption.
D) Human wants exceed the resources available to satisfy them.
E) People seek only their own self-interest.
Answer: D
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
10) The study of economics is best described as a study of
A) the factors that influence the stock and bond markets.
B) capitalism.
C) the choices made in producing goods and services.
D) coping with scarcity, and choices made as a result of scarcity in a society.
E) how people earn a living.
Answer: D
Topic: Definition of economics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
11) Which of the following statements best describes the study of economics? Economics studies how
A) to organize production so that scarcity does not occur.
B) firms make profits.
C) we make choices in the face of scarcity.
D) to create incentives so that scarcity does not exist.
E) businesses reach decisions.
Answer: C
Topic: Definition of economics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
12) Which of the following best defines economics?
A) Economics teaches how to limit our wants.
B) Economics studies how to choose the best alternative when coping with scarcity.
C) Economics helps you earn as much money as possible.
D) Economics analyzes all aspects of human behavior in general.
E) Economics is concerned with prices and quantities of goods and services, both at the individual level and at the industry level.
Answer: B
Topic: Definition of economics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
13) Economics is the social science that studies
A) the real reasons people buy goods and services.
B) the psychology of individuals and businesses.
C) whether a nation has enough natural resources.
D) how people make choices to cope with scarcity.
E) how choices made in the social interest could eliminate scarcity.
Answer: D
Topic: Definition of economics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
14) Economics is best defined as the social science that studies
A) how a person can get everything he or she wants.
B) the reason money exists.
C) the way to eliminate choices in our decisions.
D) the choices that societies, and the people and institutions that make up societies, make in dealing with the issue of scarcity.
E) how choices made in the social interest must conflict with choices made in the self-interest.
Answer: D
Topic: Definition of economics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
15) Microeconomics includes the study of the
A) aggregate effects on the national economy.
B) recessions and inflation in the global economy.
C) choices made by individuals and businesses.
D) reasons why the government changes interest rates.
E) nationwide unemployment rate.
Answer: C
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
16) The primary focus of microeconomics is
A) to examine the operation of the entire (aggregate) economy.
B) to examine the behavior and operation of the individual units or sectors that make up the economy.
C) our government's monetary policy.
D) the levels of employment and inflation.
E) to study how we managed to eliminate scarcity.
Answer: B
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
17) Which of the following is a microeconomic issue?
A) The price of gasoline increases in the United States this year.
B) The Brazilian economy experiences rapid economic growth.
C) The unemployment rate soars in Spain.
D) Inflation skyrockets in Russia.
E) The U.S. government cuts taxes to combat a recession.
Answer: A
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
18) Which of the following is a microeconomic issue?
A) Growth in the U.S. economy slowed.
B) Increased federal government expenditures have lowered the unemployment rate.
C) The inflation rate fell this year.
D) The quantity of wheat grown in the United States increases this year.
E) The U.S. government cuts taxes to combat a recession.
Answer: D
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
19) Which of the following is a microeconomic topic?
i. K-Mart's decision to close stores that are not making a profit
ii. Home Depot's choice to hire more full-time employees because its sales increased
iii. Delta Airlines changes its fares.
A) i only
B) ii only
C) i and iii
D) ii and iii
E) i, ii, and iii
Answer: E
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
20) Which of the following is a microeconomic topic?
A) Northwest Airlines analyzes the benefits of adding one more flight to Salt Lake City.
B) Unemployment soars as taxes increase.
C) The government leaves interest rates unchanged as the economy improves.
D) Germany's government increases taxes to avoid a budget deficit.
E) Chinese economic growth slows.
Answer: A
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
21) Which of the following is a microeconomic topic?
i. Gas prices increase after a hurricane hits the gulf coast.
ii. Xavier starts a new business designing web pages.
iii. Abby decides to practice an extra hour of soccer instead of studying.
A) i, ii and iii
B) i only
C) ii and iii
D) ii only
E) i and ii
Answer: A
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
22) Macroeconomics is the study of
A) the actions of individual consumers.
B) national or global economies.
C) the actions of individual businesses.
D) the government.
E) how ceteris paribus affects causation.
Answer: B
Topic: Macroeconomics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
23) Which of the following BEST describes macroeconomics?
A) It analyzes the aggregate effects on the national economy of the choices made by individuals, firms, and governments.
B) It studies the choices that individuals and businesses make when coping with scarcity.
C) It examines how the choices that individuals affect governments.
D) It is not a social science because its predictions cannot be tested.
E) Proving causation is never a problem for macroeconomics.
Answer: A
Topic: Macroeconomics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
24) Which of the following is a topic studied in macroeconomics?
A) the pricing decisions in the computer hardware industry
B) the effect on economic growth if the government raises taxes
C) how the wheat industry determines how much wheat to grow
D) the impact of labor unions on wages
E) the impact of higher prices for gasoline on the number of SUVs people buy
Answer: B
Topic: Macroeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
25) Which of the following is a macroeconomic topic?
A) The federal government's decision to spend more on environmental protection
B) The county government's decision to increase the sales tax for your county
C) Why did production and jobs expand slowly in 2011?
D) General Motors decides what prices to set for their new models.
E) The effect of floods in agricultural areas on the price and quantity of wheat
Answer: C
Topic: Macroeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Revised
AACSB: Reflective thinking
26) Which of the following is a macroeconomic issue?
A) The price of a ticket to Walt Disney World in Orlando is increased.
B) The National Football League signs a new television contract.
C) The number of jobs and production in Zimbabwe increase.
D) The Iowa corn harvest is smaller than normal.
E) Utilities are required to install more anti-pollution devices.
Answer: C
Topic: Macroeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
27) Which of the following is a macroeconomic topic?
i. China increases interest rates to slow its economic growth.
ii. Congress lowers tax rates to try and lower the unemployment rate.
iii. Nissan decides to produce more electric Leaf models and fewer Altima sedans.
A) i and ii
B) i, ii and iii
C) iii only
D) i and iii
E) ii and iii
Answer: A
Topic: Macroeconomics
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
28) When you make the decision to spend your time attending class, which economic question are you answering?
A) What?
B) How?
C) For whom?
D) Why?
E) Is this in the social interest?
Answer: A
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
29) Which of the following is the best example of a "What?" question?
A) Should automobiles be produced using workers or robots?
B) Should higher-income or lower-income people buy SUVs?
C) Should we make faster microprocessors or pest-resistant corn?
D) Should migrant workers or domestic workers be used to pick grapes?
E) What should doctors be paid?
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
30) When Ford decides to increase production of hybrid cars, it directly answers the ________ question.
A) what
B) how
C) for whom
D) where
E) why
Answer: A
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
31) When Delta decides to quit flying to Lithuania, it directly answers the ________ question.
A) what
B) why
C) for whom
D) how
E) when
Answer: A
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
32) The question of "What goods and services get produced?" most closely relates to which of the following issues?
A) the distribution of goods and services in the economy
B) producing goods and services in the least costly manner
C) building a missile defense system, or putting a computer in every elementary school classroom
D) obtaining specialized training to increase one's income
E) taxing high income workers to give payments to poor households
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 3: Using models
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
33) When a home builder decides to computerize all of its production schedule, it directly answers the ________ question.
A) for whom
B) what
C) where
D) how
E) why
Answer: D
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
34) When Fresh Express Salads decides to mechanically pick all of its lettuce, it directly answers the ________ question.
A) what
B) how
C) for whom
D) where
E) when
Answer: B
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
35) When the power company decides to use manpower to bury its lines, it directly answers the ________ question.
A) what
B) for whom
C) how
D) why
E) when
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
36) The question of "How are goods and services produced?" most closely addresses which of the following issues?
A) Should Ford build SUVs or luxury cars?
B) Should Ford use expensive industrial robots or inexpensive Mexican autoworkers to produce SUVs?
C) Should contractors build residential housing or shopping malls?
D) Is income distributed fairly in the United States?
E) Why are Christmas trees popular only in December?
Answer: B
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Revised
AACSB: Reflective thinking
37) Of the three major economic questions, which of the following is the best example of a "How?" question?
A) Should we produce more heavy fleece coats?
B) Should we collect tolls on turnpikes using human toll collectors or mechanized toll machines?
C) Should we build log homes or build factories from bricks?
D) Should we spend more on health care?
E) Should we eat more oatmeal?
Answer: B
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
38) Which economic question depends on the incomes that people earn and the prices they pay for goods and services?
A) What?
B) How?
C) For whom?
D) Why?
E) Where?
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, for whom
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
39) When the federal government decides to pay senators more than it pays soldiers, it answers the ________ question.
A) why
B) how
C) for whom
D) what
E) where
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, for whom
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
40) When a third string NFL quarterback earns more than a police officer, society answers the ________ question.
A) for whom
B) what
C) how
D) why
E) social interest vs. self-interest
Answer: A
Topic: Economic questions, for whom
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
41) When unskilled teens earn less than college graduates, society answers the ________ question.
A) how
B) what
C) for whom
D) why
E) social interest versus self-interest
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, for whom
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
42) Canada has nationalized health care, so that everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, has some access to health care. Based on this observation, Canada has decided that "everyone, regardless of their ability to pay" is the answer to what microeconomic question?
A) What type of health care will be produced and in what quantity?
B) How will health care be produced?
C) For whom will health care be produced?
D) Why will we offer health care?
E) Must we offer health care?
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, for whom
Skill: Level 3: Using models
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Analytical thinking
43) Choices that are best for the individuals that make them are choices in pursuit of
A) the social interest.
B) efficiency.
C) incentives.
D) self-interest.
E) equity.
Answer: D
Topic: Self interest
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
44) Self-interest
A) reflects choices that are best for society as a whole.
B) reflects choices that are best for the individual who makes them.
C) has nothing to do with determining what goods are produced.
D) occurs only when wants exceed available resources.
E) cannot be used to determine how goods are produced.
Answer: B
Topic: Self interest
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
45) Choices that are best for the society as a whole are choices in pursuit of
A) answering the "how" question.
B) the social interest.
C) self-interest.
D) incentives.
E) answering the "for whom" question.
Answer: B
Topic: Social interest
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
46) The characteristic from which all economic problems arise is
A) political decisions.
B) providing a minimal standard of living for every person.
C) how to make a profit.
D) hunger.
E) scarcity.
Answer: E
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
47) All economic questions and problems arise from
A) the fact that society has more than it needs.
B) turmoil in the stock market.
C) the unequal distribution of income.
D) a society's wants exceeding what its scarce resources can produce.
E) the difference between self-interest and social interest.
Answer: D
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
48) Scarcity results from the fact that
A) people's wants exceed the resources available to satisfy them.
B) not all goals are desirable.
C) we cannot answer the major economic questions.
D) choices made in self-interest are not always in the social interest.
E) the population keeps growing.
Answer: A
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Revised
AACSB: Reflective thinking
49) To economists, scarcity means that
A) limited wants cannot be satisfied by the unlimited resources.
B) a person looking for work is not able to find work.
C) the number of people without jobs rises when economic times are bad.
D) there can never be answers to the what, how or for whom questions.
E) unlimited wants cannot be satisfied by the limited resources.
Answer: E
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
50) Which of the following statements is true regarding scarcity?
A) Scarcity affects poorer countries only.
B) An economy experiences scarcity only when the incomes of its citizens decline.
C) Poor people experience scarcity more often than do rich people.
D) All citizens in a wealthy economy experience scarcity.
E) Scarcity could be overcome if people would make all choices in the social interest.
Answer: D
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
51) People must make choices because
A) most people enjoy shopping.
B) of scarcity.
C) there are many goods available.
D) the question "What goods and services are produced?" is not adequately answered.
E) making choices is in the social interest.
Answer: B
Topic: Scarcity
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
52) Which of the following is a microeconomic issue?
A) Why has unemployment risen nationwide?
B) Why has economic growth been rapid in China?
C) What is the impact on the quantity of Pepsi purchased if consumers' tastes change in favor of non-carbonated drinks?
D) Why is the average income lower in Africa than in Latin America?
E) Why did overall production increase within the United States last year?
Answer: C
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
53) Microeconomics includes the study of
A) how countries decide to fund their budget deficits.
B) the choices that individuals and businesses make.
C) how a nation promotes economic growth.
D) the effect on the national economy of the choices that individuals make.
E) the overall amount of production within the economy.
Answer: B
Topic: Microeconomics
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
54) The question "Should we produce LCD televisions or computer monitors?" is an example of a ________ question.
A) what
B) how
C) for whom
D) where
E) why
Answer: A
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
55) When Ferrari decides to produce 1,200 360 Modenas each year, Ferrari is answering the ________ question.
A) for whom
B) how
C) what
D) why
E) scarcity
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, what
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
56) Whether a company produces fishing rods mostly by hand or using high-tech machinery is a question of
A) "For whom will goods be produced?"
B) "When will the goods be produced?"
C) "Where will the goods be produced?"
D) "How will the goods be produced?"
E) "Why will the goods be produced?"
Answer: D
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
57) When a landscaping company decides to use drafting software and computers instead of hiring designers to draw design plans by hand, it is answering the ________ question.
A) how
B) what
C) for whom
D) opportunity cost
E) why
Answer: A
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
58) The question "Should we produce houses using bricks or wood?" is an example of a ________ question.
A) what
B) how
C) for whom
D) where
E) why
Answer: B
Topic: Economic questions, how
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
59) The question "Should economics majors or sociology majors earn more after they graduate?" is an example of a ________ question.
A) what
B) how
C) for whom
D) where
E) why
Answer: C
Topic: Economic questions, for whom
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
60) If a decision is made and it is the best choice for society, the decision is said to be
A) a valid economic choice.
B) made in self-interest.
C) made in social interest.
D) consist with scarcity.
E) a want-maximizing choice.
Answer: C
Topic: Social interest
Skill: Level 2: Using definitions
Section: Checkpoint 1.1
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
1.2 The Economic Way of Thinking
1) Rational choice
A) is a choice that uses the available resources to best achieve the objective of the person making the choice.
B) is always efficient.
C) is what you must give up to get what you want.
D) is made by comparing different incentives.
E) provides the answer to only the "how" question.
Answer: A
Topic: Rational choice
Skill: Level 1: Definition
Section: Checkpoint 1.2
Status: Old
AACSB: Reflective thinking
2) A rational choice is one that
A) always turns out for the best for the decision maker.
B) creates no costs for the decision maker.
C) must be made with perfect information.
D) uses the available resources to most effectively satisfy the wants of the person making the choice.
E) is made in the social interest rather than the self-interest.
Answer: D
Topic: Rational choice
