Micro 8.1

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What are the 4 functions of the price mechanism?
Rationing, signalling, incentive, allocative.
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How does the rationing function work?
As prices rise, excess demand is removed and only those consumers with the ability to pay are able to purchase the good. Increasing prices rations demand to those most able to afford the good or service.
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How does the signalling function work?
Prices provide important market signals to market participants.
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How does the incentive function work?
Increased prices strengthen incentives to firms to produce more in order to make profit.
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How does the allocative function work?
It acts to divert resources to where they can maximise their returns and away from uses where they do not.
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What is said to occur if any of the functions break down?
Market failure.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How does the rationing function work?

Back

As prices rise, excess demand is removed and only those consumers with the ability to pay are able to purchase the good. Increasing prices rations demand to those most able to afford the good or service.

Card 3

Front

How does the signalling function work?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How does the incentive function work?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

How does the allocative function work?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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