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Economics of Pricing and Rationing Quiz

#1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of monopolistic competition?

Price taker
Explanation

Monopolistic competition involves firms having some control over price, unlike price takers.

#2

What is the primary function of a price ceiling?

To prevent prices from rising above a certain level
Explanation

A price ceiling sets a maximum allowable price to prevent prices from exceeding a specified limit.

#3

What is the primary objective of a price floor?

To prevent prices from falling below a certain level
Explanation

A price floor sets a minimum allowable price to prevent prices from dropping below a specified limit.

#4

What is the likely impact of a price ceiling set below the equilibrium price in a market?

Excess demand
Explanation

A price ceiling below the equilibrium leads to excess demand, as the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied.

#5

What is the likely consequence of imposing a price floor above the equilibrium price in a market?

Excess supply
Explanation

A price floor above the equilibrium results in excess supply, as the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded.

#6

In economics, what does 'elasticity of demand' measure?

The responsiveness of quantity demanded to changes in price
Explanation

Elasticity of demand measures how much quantity demanded changes in response to price changes.

#7

Which pricing strategy involves setting prices just below a whole number?

Odd pricing
Explanation

Odd pricing involves setting prices slightly below round numbers, such as $9.99 instead of $10.

#8

Which of the following is an example of a non-price rationing mechanism?

Coupons
Explanation

Non-price rationing mechanisms, like coupons, allocate goods without directly using the price as the allocation criterion.

#9

What is the relationship between price elasticity of demand and total revenue?

They move in opposite directions
Explanation

When price elasticity of demand is high, a decrease in price increases total revenue, and vice versa.

#10

Which of the following is NOT a method of non-price rationing?

Price discrimination
Explanation

Price discrimination is a pricing strategy, not a non-price rationing method, which involves allocating goods based on factors other than price.

#11

What is the formula for calculating price elasticity of demand?

Percentage change in quantity demanded / Percentage change in price
Explanation

Price elasticity of demand is calculated as the percentage change in quantity demanded divided by the percentage change in price.

#12

What is the main objective of using price discrimination?

To increase total revenue
Explanation

Price discrimination aims to capture consumer surplus and increase overall revenue for the seller.

#13

Under what conditions is rationing likely to be more efficient than price controls in distributing scarce goods?

When the government can accurately determine need
Explanation

Rationing is more efficient when the government can accurately assess individuals' needs for scarce goods.

#14

Which of the following is NOT a determinant of price elasticity of demand?

Income level
Explanation

Income level is not a determinant of price elasticity of demand; factors include availability of substitutes, necessity, and time.

#15

In the context of pricing strategies, what is 'price skimming'?

Setting high initial prices and then gradually lowering them
Explanation

Price skimming involves starting with high prices to target early adopters and then gradually reducing prices for broader market penetration.

#16

In the context of price discrimination, what does the 'law of one price' suggest?

The same good should have the same price in different markets
Explanation

The law of one price in price discrimination states that identical goods should be sold at the same price in different markets.

#17

Which of the following is an example of perfect price discrimination?

Negotiating prices individually with each customer
Explanation

Perfect price discrimination occurs when a seller charges each consumer their maximum willingness to pay, often negotiated individually.

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