If the Detriment to Society from a Negative Externality Is

question 46

Multiple Choice

If the detriment to society from a negative externality is measure as $5 per unit of output of a particular good, the best way of moving closer to the social optimum would be to:

• A)subsidize consumers who purchase the good by $5 per unit to offset the negative externality that they may endure.
• B)limit the production of the good to four days per week.
• C)calculate the negative value of the externality and assess a fine on each producer to pay for clean up in proportion to their profits from production of the good.
• D)assess a simple tax of $5 per unit of production on suppliers of the good.

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Definitions:

Learned Responses

Behaviors that are developed through conditioned learning or experience rather than instinct.

Secondary Reinforcer

A stimulus that has become reinforcing through its association with a primary reinforcer.

Primary Reinforcer

A stimulus that is naturally rewarding and satisfies a basic biological need, such as food or water, which does not require learning to be effective.

Negative Punishment

A behavior modification technique where a desired stimulus is removed following unwanted behavior, with the goal of decreasing the likelihood of the behavior occurring again.