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Monopsony and Marginal Analysis

Monopsony refers to a market structure where a single buyer exerts significant control over the market, impacting the marginal factor cost and marginal revenue product. In this context, it is crucial to analyze the intersection of marginal costs and benefits to determine the optimal output level, which may not align with the socially optimal production levels due to externalities. Understanding monopsony is vital for assessing how labor markets function and the implications for efficiency and welfare in economics.

18 practice questions with detailed explanations

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1

In a monopsony market, if the government implements a minimum wage policy aimed at increasing workers' income, what is the likely outcome for the number of workers hired by the monopsonist?

In a monopsony, one buyer controls the market. Other options are incorrect because Some might think higher wages mean more hiring; It's a common belie...

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2

In a monopsonistic labor market, how does the marginal analysis of hiring additional workers affect economic welfare compared to a competitive labor market?

In a monopsony, there is only one buyer of labor, which means they can pay lower wages. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that mono...

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3

In a monopsony market, how does the marginal revenue product of labor relate to wage determination?

In a monopsony, the wage paid to workers is lower than the value they create. Other options are incorrect because This suggests that workers are paid ...

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4

In a monopsony market, which of the following outcomes is most likely to occur compared to a competitive market due to the buyer's market power?

In a monopsony, one buyer controls the market. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that if a buyer pays less to workers, prices for c...

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5

In a monopsony market, how does government intervention influence the marginal cost and marginal revenue for a firm when hiring labor?

In a monopsony, the firm is the only buyer of labor. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that costs and revenue go down; This opt...

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6

What is the definition of monopsony in economics?

Monopsony means there is one buyer and many sellers. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests many buyers and one seller; This describ...

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7

In a monopsony market, which of the following statements best describes the relationship between marginal analysis and market power?

In a monopsony, one buyer controls the market for workers. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests that a monopsonist has no power; T...

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8

In a monopsony market, how does buyer dominance affect the wage offered to workers compared to a competitive market?

In a monopsony, there is only one main buyer for workers. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that a strong buyer would pay more to a...

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9

If a monopsonist pays a lower marginal factor cost than the marginal revenue product of labor, what is the likely effect on overall economic welfare in the labor market?

When a monopsonist pays less for labor than what workers can actually produce, it leads to fewer jobs. Other options are incorrect because This answer...

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10

Arrange the following concepts in the correct sequence of analysis when evaluating a monopsony in labor markets: A) Determine the marginal factor cost, B) Assess the marginal revenue product of labor, C) Identify the optimal employment level, D) Analyze the implications for market efficiency.

First, we find the marginal factor cost, which tells us how much extra it costs to hire one more worker. Other options are incorrect because This opti...

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11

In a monopsony, how does the marginal factor cost differ from the supply curve, and what is the implication for labor market efficiency?

In a monopsony, the marginal factor cost is lower than the supply curve. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the marginal factor cost...

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12

In a monopsony market, the relationship between the marginal factor cost and the overall supply curve can be likened to the relationship between a single buyer's bidding strategy and a competitive auction setting. A: Monopsony : Bidding strategy :: C: ?

In a competitive market, many buyers and sellers interact. Other options are incorrect because A monopoly has one seller, not one buyer; An oligopoly ...

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13

In a monopsony market structure, which of the following statements accurately reflect the implications for labor markets? Select all that apply.

Other options are incorrect because Some might think a monopsonist can pay less and still keep workers; It's a common mistake to think the cost of hir...

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14

In a monopsony, how does the buyer's control over the market affect the marginal factor cost compared to a competitive market?

In a monopsony, one buyer controls the market. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that a monopsony lowers costs; It's a common mista...

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15

A large manufacturing company is the sole employer in a small town, offering jobs to the local workforce. The company has the power to set wages below the equilibrium level because of its monopsony position. If the company decides to reduce wages further to maximize its profits, which of the following outcomes is most likely to occur in the labor market according to the principles of monopsony and marginal analysis?

When the company lowers wages, only less-skilled workers may accept those jobs. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that lower wages ...

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16

In a monopsony market, the marginal factor cost is typically _____ than the supply curve, leading to potential inefficiencies in labor allocation.

In a monopsony, one buyer controls the market. Other options are incorrect because Some might think the cost is lower, but in reality, the buyer has t...

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17

In a monopsony, the marginal factor cost is always equal to the marginal revenue product, leading to socially optimal production levels.

In a monopsony, the marginal factor cost is not equal to the marginal revenue product. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that in a ...

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18

A local factory is the only employer in a small town, setting wages below the competitive market level while still attracting enough workers. How does this scenario exemplify a monopsony, and what category does it fit into based on its effects on labor market efficiency?

In a monopsony, one buyer controls the market. Other options are incorrect because Some might think a single employer raises wages; It's a common beli...

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