University Researchers Create a Positive Externality Because What They Discover

question 372

Multiple Choice

University researchers create a positive externality because what they discover in their research labs can easily be learned by others who haven't contributed to the research costs. Suppose that the federal government gives grants to these researchers equal to the their per-unit production externality. What is the relationship between the equilibrium quantity of university research and the socially optimal quantity of university research produced?

• A)The equilibrium quantity is greater than the socially optimal quantity.
• B)They are equal.
• C)The equilibrium quantity is less than the socially optimal quantity.
• D)There is not enough information to answer the question.

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Definitions:

Federal Open Market Committee

The branch of the Federal Reserve System that determines the direction of monetary policy, including decisions on interest rates and the growth of the United States money supply.

Regional Fed Presidents

Officials who head the regional Federal Reserve Banks, playing key roles in monetary policy discussions and implementation in the United States.

Voting

The act of expressing a choice or preference in a public election or decision-making process.

Money Stock

The total quantity of money available in an economy at a specific time, including cash and deposits.