Macro Chapter 14 The Labor Market:

Refer to Figure 14.2. The equilibrium wage rate is $________ and the equilibrium number of people employed is ________ million people. A) 15; 270 B) 9; 210 C) 15; 150 D) 6; 180

B) 9 ; 210

Refer to Figure 14.7. Suppose the economy is initially at Point A. A contractionary fiscal policy moves the economy to Point ________ in the short run. A) E B) B C) C D) D

B) B

Refer to Figure 14.6. Assuming all shocks to the economy arise from demand changes, which panel represents the short-run relationship between output and the price level? A) A B) B C) C D) D

B) B.

Refer to Figure 14.7. If the economy is at Point B, the cost of raw material decreased dramatically, and the aggregate demand did not change, the economy could move to Point ________. A) A B) E C) C D) D

B) E

Refer to Figure 14.7. Which combinations of events could move the economy from Point A to Point B, and then from Point B to Point E? A) a contractionary monetary policy followed by a leftward shift in the AS curve B) a contractionary monetary policy followed by a rightward shift in the AS curve C) an expansionary fiscal policy followed by a leftward shift in the AS curve D) an expansionary fiscal policy followed by a rightward shift in the AS curve

B) a contractionary monetary policy followed by a rightward shift in the AS curve

The economy experiences both inflation and unemployment when A) aggregate demand decreases and aggregate supply increases. B) aggregate supply decreases and aggregate demand remains unchanged. C) aggregate demand decreases and aggregate supply remains unchanged. D) aggregate demand increases and aggregate supply decreases.

B) aggregate supply decreases and aggregate demand remains unchanged

Intel Corporation, a major manufacturer of microchips, saw the demand for its product drop by 25%. Even though the demand for its product decreased, Intel did not cut the wages of its nonunionized workers. This is an example of A) employment-at-will. B) an implicit or social contract not to cut wages. C) an explicit contract not to cut wages. D) a relative-wage contract.

B) an implicit or social contract not to cut wages

The type of unemployment that arises during recessions is known as A) the natural rate of unemployment. B) cyclical unemployment. C) structural unemployment. D) frictional unemployment.

B) cyclical unemployment

If the measured unemployment rate is 8% and the natural unemployment rate is 3%, then A) frictional unemployment is 5%. B) cyclical unemployment is 5%. C) frictional unemployment is 11%. D) structural unemployment is 11%

B) cyclical unemployment is 5%

If the economy is at potential output, actual inflation A) is greater than expected inflation. B) equals expected inflation. C) is less than expected inflation. D) equals the natural rate of unemployment.

B) equals expected inflation

T/F As a result of a shifting aggregate supply curve during the 1990s, the U.S. economy experienced a negative trade-off between inflation and unemployment.

FALSE

T/F As the unemployment rate declines in response to the economy moving closer and closer to capacity output, the aggregate price level rises at a decreasing rate

FALSE

T/F At the natural rate of unemployment, frictional unemployment is zero

FALSE

T/F Classical economists believe that economic policies are ineffective because they donʹt affect aggregate demand in the economy

FALSE

T/F Cost of living adjustments in labor contracts offer no protection to workers from unexpected inflation.

FALSE

T/F Frictional unemployment is the type that arises due to recessions

FALSE

T/F If aggregate supply changes when aggregate demand is stable, then the Phillips curve is negatively sloped.

FALSE

T/F If firms pay wages higher than the market clearing wage, their profits will be reduced.

FALSE

T/F If the unemployment rate rises above the natural rate of unemployment in the short run, the inflation rate will rise.

FALSE

T/F Sticky wages reduce unemployment

FALSE

T/F The Phillips curve suggests that if we want to raise the inflation rate, we must accept a higher unemployment rate in return.

FALSE

T/F Those who believe that the wage rate does not adjust quickly to clear the labor market are likely to believe that the aggregate supply curve is vertical.

FALSE

Refer to Figure 14.7. If the economy is on SRPC1, then the expected inflation rate is A) 4% B) 5% C) 6% D) none of the above

B) 5%

Refer to Figure 14.8. Along SRPC2, expected inflation equals A) 4%. B) 5%. C) 6%. D) cannot be determined from the figure

6%

A decrease in worker productivity A) reduces the demand for labor. B) increases the demand for labor. C) reduces the supply of labor. D) increases the supply of labor.

A

Doug is currently not employed. He places a value of $16 an hour on his time in nonmarket activities. If Doug is offered a job paying $12 an hour, A) he should supply 0 hours in the labor market. B) he should supply a positive number of hours in the labor market and allocate no time to nonmarket activities. C) he is indifferent between supplying hours to the labor market and using his time in nonmarket activities. D) he should supply a positive number of hours in the labor market and to nonmarket activities.

A

Refer to Figure 14.8. Expected inflation at Point B equals A) 4%. B) 5%. C) 6%. D) cannot be determined from the figure

B) 5%

Refer to Figure 14.2. According to Classical economists if the wage rate is A) $15, the wage rate will decline to eliminate the surplus. B) $15, the wage rate will increase to eliminate the shortage. C) $6, the wage rate will decline to eliminate the surplus. D) $15, the wage rate will decline to eliminate the shortage

A) $15, the wage rate will decline to eliminate the shortage

Refer to Figure 14.8. Along SRPC3, expected inflation equals A) 4%. B) 5%. C) 6%. D) cannot be determined from the figure

A) 4%

Refer to Figure 14.5. If aggregate demand shifts while aggregate supply is stable, the relationship between the price level and the unemployment rate is represented in Panel A) A. B) B. C) C. D) D.

A) A.

Refer to Figure 14.6. Which panel represents the short-run Phillips curve? A) A B) B C) C D) D

A) A.

Refer to Figure 14.7. Suppose the economy is at Point A, a sudden increase in the price of oil without any change in the aggregate demand shifts the short-run Phillips curve (SRPC) from A) SRPC1 to SRPC2. B) SRPC1 to SRPC3. C) SRPC2 to SRPC1. D) SRPC3 to SRPC1.

A) SRPC1 to SRPC2

Refer to Figure 14.2. Which of the following can change the equilibrium wage rate from $9 to $15? A) The value people put on their leisure time increases. B) The value of what firms produce decreases. C) The productivity of workers decreases. D) the value of what firms produce increases

A) The value people put on their leisure time increases

If the AS curve shifts from year to year, but the AD curve does not, then the Phillips curve would show A) a positive relationship between the inflation and unemployment rates. B) a negative relationship between the inflation and unemployment rates. C) no particular relationship between the inflation and unemployment rates. D) a constant trade-off between the inflation and unemployment rates.

A) a positive relationship between the inflation and unemployment rates

The economy experiences both a falling price level and falling unemployment when A) aggregate supply increases with aggregate demand stable. B) aggregate demand increases with aggregate supply stable. C) aggregate supply decreases with aggregate demand stable. D) aggregate demand decrease with aggregate supply stable.

A) aggregate supply increases with aggregate demand stable

Refer to Figure 14.1. If the demand for labor falls from D to Dʹ and wages are sticky on the downward side, there will be unemployment of ________ million. A) 200 B) 150 C) 100 D) 50

B) 150

The United States began to pull out of a recession in the spring of 1991. Unemployment fell, but inflation did not increase. What was the most likely cause of this? A) Aggregate supply was increasing at a faster rate than aggregate demand. B) Both aggregate demand and aggregate supply were decreasing. C) Aggregate demand was increasing but aggregate supply was decreasing. D) Aggregate demand was increasing at a faster rate than aggregate supply

A) aggregate supply was increasing at a faster rate than aggregate demand

An unspoken agreement between workers and firms that the firm will not cut wages is known as A) an implicit or social contract. B) an explicit contract. C) a relative-wage contract. D) employment-at-will

A) an implicit or social contract

If you hear a person saying ʺI lost my job at the GM plant because car manufacturing is slow due to a slowdown in the economy,ʺ you should conclude that this person is ________ unemployed. A) cyclically B) structurally C) frictionally D) seasonally

A) cyclically

If the AD curve shifts from year to year and the AS curve does not, then the short run Phillips curve would be A) downward sloping. B) upward sloping. C) shifting to the left. D) shifting to the right.

A) downward sloping

Refer to Figure 14.1. The demand for labor falls from D to Dʹ. If firms enter into social, or implicit, contracts with workers not to cut wages, then the wage rate will remain at $10 and A) employment will fall to 150 million. B) employment will fall to 200 million. C) employment will remain at 300 million. D) labor supply will decrease to restore the market to equilibrium

A) employment will fall to 150 million

According to the classical economists, those who are not working A) have chosen not to work at the market wage. B) are too productive to be hired at the current wage. C) are unable to find a job at the current wage rate. D) have given up looking for a job, but would accept a job at the current wage if one were offered to them.

A) have chosen not to work at the market wage

Related to the Economics in Practice on p. 264 [576]: Increased applications to graduate school in 2008 were an indication that the A) labor demand was decreasing. B) labor demand was increasing. C) aggregate supply was increasing. D) aggregate demand was increasing

A) labor demand was decreasing

Minimum wage laws contribute to a higher unemployment rate by A) raising wages above the market clearing level in some labor markets. B) pushing wages below the market clearing level in some labor markets. C) raising wages above the market clearing level in all labor markets. D) pushing wages below the market clearing level in all labor markets

A) raising wages above the market clearing level in some labor markets

Workers in the textile industry are laid off during a recession because they are unwilling to accept a wage cut, unless they know that workers in other industries are receiving similar cuts. This example is consistent with the A) relative-wage explanation of unemployment. B) explicit contract explanation of unemployment. C) social contract explanation of unemployment. D) efficiency wage explanation of unemployment.

A) relative-wage explanation of unemployment

According to Classical economists, the only types of unemployment that exist in an economy are A) structural and frictional unemployment. B) cyclical and frictional. C) seasonal and cyclical. D) frictional and seasonal.

A) structural and frictional unemployment

The government lowers the marginal income tax rates so that after-tax wages are increased. This most likely will shift the labor A) supply curve to the right. B) supply curve to the left. C) demand curve to the right. D) demand curve to the left

A) supply curve to the right

If aggregate demand increases and expectations regarding inflation remain constant, A) the economy moves along the short-run Phillips curve. B) the short-run Phillips curve shifts to the right. C) the short-run Phillips curve shifts to the left. D) the long-run Phillips curve shifts to the right.

A) the economy moves along the short-run Phillips curve

The unemployment rate is A) the number unemployed divided by the labor force. B) the number unemployed divided by the number employed. C) the number unemployed divided by the population. D) the difference between the population and the number employed divided by the population

A) the number unemployed divided by the labor force

Efficiency wage theory suggests that firms may hold wages above the market clearing rate because A) they believe that the productivity of workers increases with the wage rate. B) unspoken agreements between workers and firms are in place. C) it is required by law that they do so. D) long-term contracts fix wage rates for a period of one to three years.

A) they believe that the productivity of workers increases with the wage rate

The labor force includes those people with a job and A) those people who are looking for work. B) those people training for a job. C) those people who formerly worked and are now retired. D) homemakers.

A) those people who are looking for work

Economists who argue that the AS curve is vertical in the long run at potential GDP also argue that the Phillips curve in the long run is A) vertical at the natural rate of unemployment. B) upward sloping. C) downward sloping. D) horizontal at the natural rate of inflation.

A) vertical at the natural rate of unemployment

According to Classical economists, excessive unemployment does not persist in the economy because A) wages will always adjust to ensure equilibrium in the labor market. B) the labor demand does not change in the economy. C) the labor supply does not change in the economy. D) interest rates always change to insure equilibrium in the money market.

A) wages will always adjust to ensure equilibrium in the labor market

If a country has a population of 400 million, 160 million people employed and 40 million people looking for work, then its unemployment rate is A) 10%. B) 20%. C) 25%. D) 40%.

B) 20%

John is contemplating whether he should take a job offered to him. John should A) not take the job if the value of his leisure is less than the wage rate the job pays. B) not take the job if the value of his leisure is greater than the wage rate the job pays. C) not take the job if taking the job implies he will enjoy less leisure. D) take the job if taking the job implies he will enjoy more leisure.

B

Which of the following may shift the labor supply curve? A) an increase in the wage rate B) an increase in the value people place on their time C) an increase in the price of the output of the firm D) an increase in the corporate tax rate

B

Which of the following may shift the labor supply curve? A) an increase in worker productivity B) a decrease in the value people place on their time C) an increase in the price of the output of the firm D) an increase in the corporate tax rate

B

Suppose that air traffic controllers, whose wages have been locked into place by a two-year contract, are laid off during a recession. This example is consistent with the A) social contract explanation of unemployment. B) explicit contract explanation of unemployment. C) efficiency wage explanation of unemployment. D) relative-wage explanation of unemployment.

B) explicit contract explanation of unemployment

As the unemployment rate increases in response to the economy moving away from capacity output, the aggregate price level A) is stable. B) falls. C) rises at an increasing rate. D) rises at a declining rate

B) falls

Suppose the wage rate in the labor market is $8 and more people entered the labor force, which of the following statements is CORRECT? A) If wages are flexible, then wages will increase. B) If wages are sticky, the unemployment rate increases. C) If wages are sticky, the unemployment rate stays the same. D) If wages are flexible, the unemployment rate increases.

B) if wages are sticky, the unemployment rate increases

If the aggregate supply is vertical, an (a) ________ in the price level ________ unemployment rate. A) decrease; increases B) increase; doesnʹt change C) decrease; decreases D) increase; increases

B) increase ; doesn't change

Assume that the percentage of the labor force covered by labor contracts that set wages for a predetermined period of time increases. This will tend to A) decrease the effectiveness of both monetary and fiscal policy to change output. B) increase the effectiveness of both monetary and fiscal policy to change output. C) increase the effectiveness of fiscal policy, but decrease the effectiveness of monetary policy to change output. D) have no impact on the effectiveness of either monetary or fiscal policy to change output

B) increase the effectiveness of both monetary and fiscal policy to change output

According to the Classical theory, an expansionary monetary policy ________ the price level and ________ output in the long run. A) decreases; increases B) increases; doesnʹt change C) increases; increases D) doesnʹt change; doesnʹt change

B) increases ; doesn't change

Changes in the ________ market affect the shape of the short run aggregate supply curve. A) money B) labor C) goods D) financial

B) labor

A new policy is implemented that guarantees every adult an annual income of $10,000 whether they work or not. This will most likely shift the A) labor demand curve to the right. B) labor supply curve to the left. C) labor supply curve to the right. D) labor demand curve to the left

B) labor supply curve to the left

) The percentage of workers whose wages are set by explicit contracts falls. This should A) make it more difficult for the labor market to reach an equilibrium after a change in the demand for labor. B) make it easier for the labor market to reach an equilibrium after a change in the demand for labor. C) have no impact on the movement of the labor market toward equilibrium after a change in the demand for labor. D) cause the labor market to always be at an equilibrium, even if there is a change in the demand for labor.

B) make it easier for the labor market to reach an equilibrium after a change in the demand for labor

One of the tenets of the classical view of the labor market is that the wage adjustments that are necessary to clear the labor market A) occur very infrequently. B) occur quickly. C) donʹt occur. D) occur slowly.

B) occur quickly

If inflationary expectations decrease, the Phillips curve will A) shift to the right. B) shift to the left. C) become vertical. D) become upward sloping

B) shift to the left

Refer to Figure 14.2. At wage rate $6, there is a ________ of labor equal to ________ million people. A) shortage; 180 B) shortage; 60 C) surplus; 180 D) surplus; 60

B) shortage ; 60

The type of unemployment that is due to changes in the structure of the economy is A) adjustable unemployment. B) structural unemployment. C) frictional unemployment. D) cyclical unemployment

B) structural unemployment

If you hear a person saying ʺI lost my job because I was replaced by a machine,ʺ you should conclude that this person is ________ unemployed. A) cyclically B) structurally C) frictionally D) seasonally

B) structurally

Changes in the price level donʹt affect the unemployment rate if A) the economy is operating below capacity. B) the economy is operating at capacity. C) the aggregate supply curve is flat. D) the aggregate demand curve is steep.

B) the economy is operating at capacity

Refer to Figure 14.1. Suppose there is a decrease in the fertility rate and this causes some men and women to place a lower value on their time spent in nonmarket activities. This will cause A) the labor supply curve to shift to the left of S. B) the labor supply curve to shift to the right of S. C) the labor demand curve to shift from D to Dʹ. D) the labor demand curve to shift from Dʹ to D.

B) the labor supply curve to shift to the right of S

What sequence of events results from a decrease in aggregate demand? A) The price level falls, inventories decline, firms respond by increasing output and employment. B) The price level falls, inventories increase, firms respond by reducing output and employment. C) The price level rises, inventories decline, firms respond by increasing output and employment. D) The price level rises, inventories increase, firms respond by increasing output and employment.

B) the price level falls, inventories increase, firms respond by reducing output and employment

If inflation expectations change as a result of an expansionary fiscal policy, this causes A) the long-run Phillips curve to shift. B) the short-run Phillips curve to shift. C) the short-run Phillips curve to remain constant. D) a movement along the short-run Phillips curve.

B) the short-run Phillips curve to shift

If aggregate supply increases and aggregate demand remains unchanged, A) there will be a positive relationship between the price level and the level of aggregate output. B) there will be a negative relationship between the price level and the level of aggregate output. C) there will be no systematic relationship between the price level and the level of aggregate output. D) the price level will remain unchanged, but aggregate output will decrease.

B) there will be a negative relationship between the price level and the level of aggregate output

If, as a result of imperfect information, firms set their wage rates above the market clearing wage rate, A) unemployment decreases. B) there will be a surplus of workers. C) there will be a shortage of workers. D) there will be equilibrium in the labor market

B) there will be a surplus of workers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why firms pay efficiency wages? A) to reduce turnovers B) to abide by minimum wage laws C) to improve morale D) to reduce shirking of work

B) to abide by minimum wage laws

Suppose the wage rate in the labor market is $15 and the demand for labor decreases. If wages are sticky, A) unemployment decreases. B) unemployment increases. C) unemployment stays the same. D) wages decrease to eliminate the surplus

B) unemployment increases

An increase in the productivity of workers shifts the labor ________ curve to the ________. A) supply; left B) supply; right C) demand; right D) demand; lef

C

Lisa is currently not employed. She places a value of $12 an hour on her time in nonmarket activities. If Lisa is offered a job paying $17 an hour, A) she should supply 0 hours in the labor market and allocate all of her time to nonmarket activities. B) she should supply a positive number of hours in the labor market and allocate no time to nonmarket activities. C) she should supply a positive number of hours in the labor market and to nonmarket activities. D) she is indifferent between supplying hours to the labor market and using her time in nonmarket activities.

C

Refer to Figure 14.7. If the economy is on SRPC2, then the expected inflation rate is A) 4% B) 5% C) 6% D) none of the above

C) 6%

Refer to Figure 14.7. Suppose the economy is at Point A, an increase in money supply will move the economy to Point ________ in the short run. A) E B) B C) C D) D

C) C

Refer to Figure 14.7. Suppose the economy is at Point A, and the cost of inputs is fixed. An increase in government spending could move the economy to Point ________. A) E B) B C) C D) D

C) C

Refer to Figure 14.6. If unemployment is on the x-axis, which panel represents the long-run Phillips curve? A) A B) B C) C D) D

C) C.

Refer to Figure 14.7. Suppose the economy is at Point C. What can possibly move the economy to Point D? A) a leftward shift in the AD curve B) a rightward shift in the AD curve C) a leftward shift in the AS curve D) a rightward shift in the AS curve

C) a leftward shift in the AS curve

Employment tends to rise when A) aggregate output falls. B) unemployment rises. C) aggregate output rises. D) labor productivity falls

C) aggregate output rises

The functioning of the labor market primarily affects the shape of the A) aggregate demand curve. B) money demand curve. C) aggregate supply curve. D) planned investment curve.

C) aggregate supply curve

Refer to Figure 14.7. Which combinations of events could move the economy from Point A to Point C, and then from Point C to Point D? A) a contractionary fiscal policy followed by a leftward shift in the AS curve B) a contractionary fiscal policy followed by a rightward shift in the AS curve C) an expansionary fiscal policy followed by a leftward shift in the AS curve D) an expansionary fiscal policy followed by a rightward shift in the AS curve

C) an expansionary fiscal policy followed by a leftward shift in the AS curve

Those who believe that wages adjust quickly to clear the labor market also believe that A) the AS curve is upward sloping. B) the AD curve is steep. C) the AD curve is flat. D) the AS curve is vertical.

D) the AS curve is vertical

What definition of unemployment would you expect classical economists to use? A) anyone who is actively seeking work B) anyone who is willing to work if the market wage increases C) anyone who is willing to work at the current market wage, but has not yet been able to find employment D) anyone who is currently not working

C) anyone who is willing to work if the market wage increases

There is no systematic relationship between the price level and the level of aggregate output when A) aggregate demand is negatively sloped. B) aggregate demand is changing, but aggregate supply is not. C) both aggregate supply and aggregate demand are changing simultaneously. D) aggregate supply is changing, but aggregate demand is not.

C) both aggregate supply and aggregate demand are changing simultaneously

When a firm pays higher wages for its workers to improve workersʹ productivity, the firm pays A) sticky wages. B) flexible wages. C) efficiency wages. D) minimum wages

C) efficiency wages

Refer to Figure 14.8. Expected inflation at Point A ________ expected inflation at Point C. A) is greater than B) is less than C) equals D) cannot be determined from the figure

C) equals

Refer to Figure 14.7. The unemployment rate at U1 A) is greater than the natural rate. B) is lower than the natural rate. C) equals the natural rate. D) equals zero.

C) equals the natural rate

Suppose that airline workers are laid off during a recession because of an unspoken agreement between airline workers and airline executives that wages will not be reduced. This example is consistent with the A) relative-wage explanation of unemployment. B) explicit contract explanation of unemployment. C) implicit contract explanation of unemployment. D) efficiency wage explanation of unemployment

C) implicit contract explanation of unemployment

The Phillips curve depicts the relationship between A) output and the price level. B) aggregate demand and aggregate expenditures. C) inflation and unemployment. D) money supply and interest rates.

C) inflation and unemployment

Even though explicit contracts may lead to layoffs during recessions, explicit contracts may still be efficient because such contracts A) guarantee that only the least-productive workers will be laid off. B) reduce unemployment effects. C) reduce negotiation costs. D) will equitably spread the layoffs among junior and senior workers.

C) reduce negotiation costs

Suppose the equilibrium wage rate in the labor market is $10 and the demand for labor increases. If wages are sticky, there will be a A) surplus of labor and the wage rate declines. B) shortage of labor and the wage rate increases. C) shortage of labor and the wage rate stays the same. D) surplus of labor and the wage rate increases.

C) shortage of labor and the wage rate increases

If a new governmental policy increases unemployment benefits, we would expect the labor ________ curve to shift to the ________. A) supply; right B) demand; right C) supply; left D) demand; left

C) supply ; left

If firms start offering more employment benefits, such as more stock options and a better dental plan, we would expect the labor ________ curve to shift to the ________. A) demand; right B) demand; left C) supply; right D) supply; left

C) supply ; right

Which of the following arguments is NOT offered to explain the existence of ʺstickyʺ wages? A) the social contract explanation B) the relative-wage explanation C) the fact that labor contracts donʹt exist D) the explicit contract explanation

C) the fact that labor contracts dont exist

In the long run, the Phillips curve will be vertical at the natural rate of unemployment if A) the long-run aggregate demand curve is vertical at potential GDP. B) the long-run aggregate demand curve is horizontal at the natural rate of inflation. C) the long-run aggregate supply curve is vertical at potential GDP. D) the long-run supply curve is horizontal at the natural rate of inflation

C) the long-run aggregate supply curve is vertical at potential GDP

What sequence of events results from an increase in aggregate demand? A) The price level falls, inventories decline, firms respond by increasing output and employment. B) The price level falls, inventories increase, firms respond by reducing output and employment. C) The price level rises, inventories decline, firms respond by increasing output and employment. D) The price level rises, inventories increase, firms respond by increasing output and employment.

C) the price level rises, inventories decline, firms respond by increasing output and employment

Refer to Figure 14.2. Which of the following can change the equilibrium wage rate from $9 to $6? A) The value people put on their leisure time increases. B) The value of what firms produce increases. C) The productivity of workers decreases. D) The productivity of workers increases.

C) the productivity of workers decreases

The unemployment rate rises if A) the demand for labor increases. B) aggregate output increases. C) the supply of labor increases. D) aggregate demand increases.

C) the supply of labor increases

If, as a result of imperfect information, firms set their wage rates below the market clearing wage rate A) unemployment increases. B) there will be a surplus of workers. C) there will be a shortage of workers. D) there will be equilibrium in the labor market

C) there will be a shortage of workers

According to the relative-wage explanation of unemployment, workers will be willing to accept wage cuts only if A) they know that unemployment is increasing in other industries. B) they can be convinced that they are overpaid relative to workers doing similar jobs at other firms. C) they know that workers in other firms and industries are receiving similar cuts. D) the economy is in a prolonged recession.

C) they know that workers in other firms and industries are receiving similar cuts

The social contract explanation for the existence of downwardly sticky wages focuses on A) employment contracts that stipulate workersʹ wages, usually for a period of one to three years. B) the contention that workers in one industry may be unwilling to accept a wage cut, unless they know that workers in other industries are receiving similar cuts. C) unspoken agreements between workers and firms that firms will not cut wages D) the incentive that firms have to hold wages above the market clearing rate.

C) unspoken agreements between workers and firms that firms will not cut wages

Refer to Figure 14.4. A minimum wage of $12 A) will lead to unemployment of 10. B) will lead to unemployment of 20. C) will lead to unemployment of 40. D) will have no effect because the minimum wage is set above the equilibrium wage and for a minimum wage to have any effect on the labor market it must be below the equilibrium wage.

C) will lead to unemployment of 40

Refer to Figure 14.3. Assume that the productivity of workers increases as the wage rate increases. The efficiency wage A) would be below $10. B) would equal $10. C) would be above $10. D) could either be above or below $10.

C) would be above $10

Martin is not employed. The value Martin places on his leisure time is $30 an hour. Martin looks for a job and all the offers he has are for less than $30 an hour. Martin should supply A) exactly 40 hours per week in the labor market. B) between 0 and 20 hours per week in the labor market. C) between 20 and 40 hours per week in the labor market. D) 0 hours in the labor market.

D

T/F .If unemployment is below the natural rate of unemployment, then output is below potential output.

FALSE

Refer to Figure 14.7. If the natural unemployment rate equals 6%, the unemployment rate at U2 could be A) 4%. B) 5%. C) 6%. D) 7%.

D) 7%

If productivity increases as wages increase and firms pay a wage above the market clearing wage, then A) these firms will go out of business in the long run because they will not be able to compete with firms paying lower wages. B) these firms will face an excess demand for labor and will be able to hire the best workers in the market. C) these firms will have lower profit levels than their competitors. D) a potential benefit these firms may receive is a reduction in employee turnover

D) a potential benefit these firms may receive is a reduction in employee turnover

The classical view of the labor market is basically consistent with the assumption of ________ aggregate supply curve. A) a horizontal (or almost horizontal) B) a downward-sloping C) an upward-sloping D) a vertical (or almost vertical)

D) a vertical (or almost vertical)

Refer to Figure 14.4. A firm might pay wages above $10 per hour if it believes such a wage will result in all of the following EXCEPT A) reduce worker shirking. B) reduce worker turnover. C) improve worker moral. D) agitate unions.

D) agitate unions

Classical economists believe that the aggregate supply curve is vertical because A) wages are flexible and they always change to clear the labor market. B) the labor market is always in equilibrium. C) people who are not working are those who have chosen not to work at the prevailing wage rate. D) all of the above

D) all the above

Frito Lay experienced a 20% drop in its sales. Even though the demand for its product decreased, Frito Lay did not cut the wages of its nonunionized workers. This is an example of A) an explicit contract not to cut wages. B) employment-at-will. C) poor management. D) an implicit or social contract not to cut wages.

D) an implicit or social contract not to cut wages

Which of the following may shift the labor demand curve? A) an increase in the value of leisure B) a decrease in the value of leisure C) more people entering the labor force D) an increase in the value of output that firms produce

D) an increase in the value of output that firms produce

Related to the Economics in Practice on p. 264 [576]: Ceteris paribus, applications to graduate school tend to ________ when the economy is experiencing ________. A) increase; inflation B) increase; growth C) decrease; recession D) decrease; growth

D) decrease ; growth

If wages are sticky, an increase in labor A) demand decreases the wage rate. B) supply increases the wage rate. C) demand increases the wage rate. D) demand leaves wage rates intact.

D) demand leaves wage rates intact

The minimum wage law contributes to a A) lower unemployment rate among teenaged workers. B) lower unemployment rate among adult workers. C) higher unemployment rate among high skilled workers. D) higher unemployment rate among teenaged workers.

D) higher unemployment rate among teenaged workers

Suppose the wage rate in the labor market is $15 and the productivity of workers increases, which of the following statements is INCORRECT? A) The labor demand curve shifts to the right. B) If wages are flexible, there will be an increase in wages. C) If wages are sticky, there will be a shortage in the labor market. D) If wages are sticky, there will be a surplus in the labor market

D) if wages are sticky, there will be a surplus in the labor market

If aggregate demand changes while aggregate supply is stable, output and the unemployment rate are A) positively related. B) not related in the short run. C) not related neither in the long run nor in the short run. D) negatively related.

D) negatively related

The measured unemployment rate can be pushed below the natural rate, but A) only in the long run and only if the price level is constant. B) only in the long run and not without inflation. C) only in the short run and only if the price level is constant. D) only in the short run and not without inflation.

D) only in the short run and not without inflation

A firm may benefit by paying workers more than the market clearing wage because the higher wages may lead to all of the following EXCEPT A) lower worker turnover. B) improved worker morale. C) reduced shirking of work. D) reduced taxed

D) reduced taxed

The type of unemployment that is most likely to arise as a result of technological changes is A) cyclical unemployment. B) seasonal unemployment. C) frictional unemployment. D) structural unemployment

D) structural unemployment

Refer to Figure 14.2. At wage rate $15, there is a ________ of labor equal to ________ million people. A) surplus; 150 B) shortage; 150 C) shortage; 120 D) surplus; 120

D) surplus ; 120

T/F An increase in inflationary expectations shifts the economyʹs short run Phillips curve to the left

FALSE

The relative-wage explanation for the existence of downwardly sticky wages emphasizes A) unspoken agreements between workers and firms that firms will not cut wages. B) the incentive that firms may have to hold wages above the market clearing rate. C) employment contracts that stipulate workersʹ wages, usually for a period of one to three years. D) the contention that workers in one industry may be unwilling to accept a wage cut, unless they know that workers in other firms and industries are receiving similar cuts.

D) the contention that workers in one industry may be unwilling to accept a wage cut, unless they know that workers in other firms and industries are receiving similar cuts

If the Phillips curve is vertical in the long run, then A) there is a trade-off between inflation and unemployment in the long run. B) the inflation rate will always be zero in the long run. C) the unemployment rate will be zero in the long run. D) there is no trade-off between inflation and unemployment in the long run

D) there is no trade-off between inflation and unemployment in the long run

Refer to Figure 14.3. If this firm pays the efficient wage of $11, A) the firmʹs demand for labor will increase until $11 is also the equilibrium wage. B) the supply of labor will decrease until $11 is also the equilibrium wage. C) there will be an excess supply of labor of 2,000. D) there will be an excess supply of labor of 3,000.

D) there will be an excess supply of labor of 3,000

Firms may NOT hold wages above the market clearing rate because A) they believe that the productivity of workers increases with the wage rate. B) they have agreed not to cut wages in an explicit agreement with their workers. C) they have implicitly agreed not to cut wages because their workers care about relative wages . D) they want to make sure they abide by minimum wage regulation

D) they want to make sure they abide by minimum wage regulation

Firms might pay efficiency wages above the equilibrium wage for all of the following reasons EXCEPT A) to reduce employee shirking. B) to improve employee morale. C) to reduce employee turnover. D) to reduce taxes.

D) to reduce taxes

Refer to Figure 14.4. A minimum wage of $8 A) will lead to an excess demand for labor of 20. B) will lead to an excess demand for labor of 40. C) will lead to an excess demand for labor of 60. D) will have no effect because the minimum wage is set below the equilibrium wage and for a minimum wage to have any effect on the labor market it must be above the equilibrium wage.

D) will have no effect

T/F A vertical aggregate supply curve implies a vertical Phillips curve

TRUE

T/F Cyclical unemployment is that which rises in recessions and shrinks during expansions.

TRUE

T/F Efficiency wages are an explanation for the existence of unemployment

TRUE

T/F Efficiency wages may lower employee turnover

TRUE

T/F If a household member is not in the labor force, it is because he or she has decided his or her time is more valuable in nonmarket activities

TRUE

T/F If a person is not employed but is looking for work, she is in the labor force.

TRUE

T/F If the actual unemployment rate is below NAIRU, the change in the inflation rate will be positive.

TRUE

T/F If the minimum wage is set above the market clearing wage, wages will be ʺstickyʺ in the downward direction.

TRUE

T/F Structural unemployment arises when the economy changes making some jobs obsolete

TRUE

T/F The classical view of the labor market holds that unemployment in the economy consists of frictional and structural unemployment.

TRUE

T/F The natural rate of unemployment is unemployment that occurs as a normal part of the functioning of the economy.

TRUE

T/F The unemployment rate is the fraction of the labor force without a job

TRUE

T/F The unemployment rate will never be zero because the economy is dynamic and always changing.

TRUE