Ollie Has a Utility Function U(x, Y) = (X

question 14

Multiple Choice

Ollie has a utility function U(x, y) = (x + 2) (y + 3) . The price of x is $1 and the price of y is $1. When he maximizes his utility subject to his budget constraint, he consumes positive amounts of both goods. Ollie consumes

• A) exactly as many units of x as of y.
• B) 1 more unit of x than he consumes of y.
• C) 1 more unit of y than he consumes of x.
• D) 2 more units of x than he consumes of y.
• E) None of the above.

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Definitions:

Positive Reinforcer

A trigger that, when applied post-behavior, augments the likelihood of the recurrence of that behavior.

Primary Reinforcer

A stimulus that satisfies a basic need or instinct, such as food, water, or warmth, and is inherently rewarding.

Fixed-Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement strategy in operant conditioning where a response is rewarded only after a specified number of responses.

Reinforcement

In behavioral psychology, a process by which the likelihood of a behavior's occurrence is increased through the addition of a stimulus following that behavior.