If Your Economics Professor Grades on a Curve and All

question 35

Essay

If your economics professor grades on a curve and all students agree to get together (i.e., collude) and not study, overall effort is reduced and the grade distribution remains relatively unchanged. Explain whether this is a realistic outcome. Does your answer differ depending on whether the class is large or small? Relate your answer to the problems of collusion in cartels discussed in the chapter on oligopolies.

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Definitions:

Inner Hair Cells

Cells located in the cochlea of the inner ear that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain.

Tonotopic Map

An arrangement in the auditory system where different frequencies of sound are systematically mapped to specific locations.

Cochlea

A spiral-shaped cavity of the inner ear, essential for converting sound into nerve impulses.

Primary Auditory Cortex

The region of the brain that is directly responsible for the processing of auditory information.