The Simplest Way for a Monopoly to Arise Is for a Single

question 167

Multiple Choice

The simplest way for a monopoly to arise is for a single firm to

• A)decrease its price below its competitors' prices.
• B)decrease production to increase demand for its product.
• C)make pricing decisions jointly with other firms.
• D)own a key resource.

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Definitions:

Neoclassical Economics

The dominant and conventional branch of economic theory that attempts to predict human behavior by building economic models based on simplifying assumptions about people’s motives and capabilities. These include that people are fundamentally rational; motivated almost entirely by self-interest; good at math; and unaffected by heuristics, time inconsistency, and self-control problems.

Behavioral Economics

The branch of economic theory that combines insights from economics, psychology, and biology to make more accurate predictions about human behavior than conventional neoclassical economics, which is hampered by its core assumptions that people are fundamentally rational and almost entirely self-interested. Behavioral economics can explain framing effects, anchoring, mental accounting, the endowment effect, status quo bias, time inconsistency, and loss aversion.

Rational Decision Making

A systematic process of defining problems, evaluating alternatives, and choosing the most optimal solution based on logical and analytical reasoning.

Utility

The want-satisfying power of a good or service; the satisfaction or pleasure a consumer obtains from the consumption of a good or service (or from the consumption of a collection of goods and services).