Which one of the following statements with regard to economic models is not correct ?
- A.They involve simplification of complex processes.
- B.They represent the whole or a part of a theory.
- C.They can be expressed only through equations.
- D.They help in gaining an insight into cause and effect.
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, They can be expressed only through equations. This is false: an economic model can be stated in words, shown in diagrams or graphs, or written as equations.
An economic model is a simplified picture of how some part of the economy works. It keeps the few variables that matter, such as price and quantity demanded, and holds the rest constant through assumptions like 'other things being equal' (ceteris paribus). The demand and supply diagram, the circular flow of income and the production possibility curve are all models, and most are taught first as graphs or in plain language before any algebra. Models let economists test a theory, trace how a change in one variable affects another and make predictions.
A is wrong to choose because simplifying a complex reality is exactly what a model does. B is wrong to choose because a model may represent a whole theory or one part of it. D is wrong to choose because showing cause and effect is a main purpose of a model.
Exam tip: Economic models can be verbal, graphical or mathematical; their key assumption is ceteris paribus.
Practice Questions
View allWhich one of the following is not a dimension of the Human Development Index?
- A.A long and healthy life
- B.Knowledge
- C.Access to banking and other financial provisions
- D.A decent standard of living
Show answer
The Human Development Index of the UNDP has only three dimensions, and financial access is not one of them.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following are considered to be the four pillars of human development?
- A.Equity, inclusion, productivity and empowerment
- B.Equity, productivity, empowerment and sustainability
- C.Productivity, gender, inclusion and equity
- D.Labour, productivity, inclusion and equity
Show answer
These are the four pillars of human development set out by the economist Mahbub ul Haq, who led the team that prepared the first Human Development Report for the UNDP in 1990, working closely with Amartya Sen.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. A price index captures the change in the average price of a constant basket of commodities.
2. If the price index takes values 100, 110 and 121 in three consecutive years respectively, then the inflation rates in the 2nd and 3rd years are 10% and 21% respectively.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Statement 1 defines a price index correctly, but statement 2 gets the third year's inflation wrong. A price index such as the Consumer Price Index tracks the cost of a fixed basket of goods and services over time, compared with a base year whose value is set at 100.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following is/are social security scheme(s) ?
1. Atal Pension Yojana
2. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
3. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1, 2 and 3
- D.1 and 3 only
Show answer
All three are social security schemes, launched together by the Government of India on 9 May 2015 to give pension and insurance cover to ordinary people, especially in the unorganised sector.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. GDP deflator captures the average price of an unchanging basket of commodities that constitutes the GDP of the country.
2. GDP deflator can be used to measure the real GDP of the economy but not the inflation rate.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Both statements misdescribe the GDP deflator. The deflator is the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP, multiplied by 100.
Read the full explanation →