Question

Difficulty: MediumDeterminants and Changes in Demand

Match each economic event affecting the market for palm oil on the left with its corresponding geometric effect on the palm oil demand curve on the right.

  • A sharp increase in the retail price of groundnut oil (a substitute for palm oil)Rightward shift of the demand curve caused by a price rise of a substitute
  • A drop in the market selling price of palm oil itselfDownward movement along the demand curve indicating an increase in quantity demanded
  • A widely published health report discouraging consumption of palm oilLeftward shift of the demand curve caused by an adverse change in consumer preferences
  • A significant price hike in yam tubers (a complementary good consumed with palm oil)Leftward shift of the demand curve caused by a price rise of a complement

Answer

1. Price increase of groundnut oil matches Rightward shift of the demand curve caused by a price rise of a substitute. 2. Drop in palm oil selling price matches Downward movement along the demand curve indicating an increase in quantity demanded. 3. Health report discouraging consumption matches Leftward shift of the demand curve caused by an adverse change in consumer preferences. 4. Price hike in yam tubers matches Leftward shift of the demand curve caused by a price rise of a complement.
Each economic event is accurately mapped to its geometric effect. Own-price changes produce movements along the demand curve, while non-price determinants such as substitute prices, complement prices, and consumer tastes shift the demand curve in the appropriate direction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between factors that cause a movement along a demand curve versus those that shift the curve.
Changes in the price of the commodity itself lead to movements along the demand curve, while changes in non-price determinants (substitutes, complements, consumer tastes, income) cause the demand curve to shift.
This fundamental distinction separates a change in quantity demanded from a change in overall demand.
2
Analyze the direction of shift or movement for each economic event.
Groundnut oil price increase increases palm oil demand (rightward shift). Palm oil price drop increases quantity demanded (downward movement). Negative health news lowers consumer preference (leftward shift). Yam price increase lowers demand for its complement palm oil (leftward shift).
Applying demand determinant principles correctly predicts the geometric outcome on the demand graph.

Key Concept

Determinants of Demand vs. Price Changes
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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