This document extensively covers the first learning unit of Economics 1A. It is summarised and colour-coded. These study notes were made by an A+ student.
, Economics – Economics is the study of the use of scarce resources to satisfy
unlimited human wants. It deals with the choices that people have to make.
Economists seek to describe, explain, analyse, and predict.
Scarcity – not enough resources to satisfy all wants (unlimited wants, limited
resources)
This leads us to the need to choose.
1.2 Scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost
Wants Human desires for goods and services
Unlimited
We always want more or better goods/services
Needs Necessities – essential for survival
Not unlimited
Eg: food, water, shelter, clothing
Demand If those who want to purchase it have the necessary
means to do so
Resources:
Limited, scarce, not freely available
Are the means by which goods can be produced or services offered
Also called: Factors of production
Types
Natural resources Agricultural land, minerals, and fishing resources
Human resources Labour
Man-made resources Machines
There is always cost involved in any use of scarce resources.
Scarcity and choice:
Demand is greater than the availability
Scarcit Affects everyone
y
Some of the unlimited wants have to be
sacrificed to meet the fulfilmet of other wants
Choice Choice = sacrifice of money and opportunity
Everytime a choice is made opportunity costs
are incurred
Opportunity cost:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller jennakemm. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $2.81. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.