Consider a model of an individual's choice between consumption and leisure (non-working time). The individual's preferences are represented by a set of standard, convex indifference curves on a graph where the horizontal axis is 'non-working hours per day' and the vertical axis is 'consumption ($)'. Suppose that Point X (16 non-working hours,$450 consumption) and Point Y (17 non-working hours, $400 consumption) both lie on the same indifference curve. Now consider a third point, Point Z (17 non-working hours,$450 consumption). Based on the properties of indifference curves, which of the following statements correctly describes the individual's preferences?

Interpreting the Shape of Indifference Curves

In a model representing an individual's choices between different combinations of 'daily consumption' and 'daily non-working hours', their preferences are illustrated by indifference curves. Match each geometric property of these curves with its correct economic interpretation.

Critiquing Preference Consistency

Analyzing Stated Preferences

In a standard model of choice between consumption and non-working time, it is possible for two of an individual's indifference curves to cross at a single point, as long as one curve is steeper than the other at the point of intersection.

In a standard economic model, an individual's preferences for different combinations of daily consumption and non-working time are represented by downward-sloping, convex indifference curves, where higher curves represent greater satisfaction. Suppose this individual is indifferent between combination P (15 hours of non-working time, $300 of consumption) and combination Q (17 hours of non-working time,$240 of consumption). Given this information, which of the following combinations would this individual definitively prefer over both P and Q?

Economic Meaning of Convex Preferences

In a model where an individual chooses between combinations of consumption and non-working time, preferences are typically represented by curves that are convex (bowed inward toward the origin). If an individual’s preference curves were instead straight, downward-sloping lines, this would imply that the amount of consumption they are willing to trade for an additional hour of non-working time is __________ regardless of how much non-working time they currently have.

Evaluating Preference Consistency