The Social Discount Rate Is an Important Component in Net

question 58

Multiple Choice

The social discount rate is an important component in net present value (NPV) calculations for public policies related to stock externalities, but economists do not agree on which value to use for this rate. Suppose a recent study reports that the NPV of a proposed carbon tax intended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is positive, but the annual net benefits do not become positive until 2060. The authors of the study used a social discount rate of 2%. What can we say about the findings of the study if the research were repeated with a higher social discount rate?

• A) NPV would decline, and the annual net benefits would become positive after 2060.
• B) NPV would increase, and the annual net benefits would become positive before 2060.
• C) NPV would decline, and the annual net benefits would not change.
• D) The findings of the study would not change.

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Definitions:

Maximum Conditioning

The point at which a conditioned response reaches its highest level of strength or efficiency through the learning process.

Blocking

The prevention of the acquisition of a conditioned response (CR) to a second conditioned stimulus (CS2) when two stimuli are paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and conditioning has already occurred to the first stimulus (CS1).

Conditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that was once neutral but, upon being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to elicit a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any prior learning or conditioning.