Credit Market Constrained

Credit Market Excluded

Figure 9.15: Indicators of Credit Market Exclusion and Constraints in the US (2019)

How Economists Learn from Facts: Evidence on Credit Market Limitations

Student Loans as a Distinguishing Feature of the US Credit Market

Assessing the Real-World Applicability of Credit Models

A simple economic model of borrowing assumes an individual can freely borrow or lend at a single market interest rate to choose their preferred mix of consumption now versus consumption later. Which of the following real-world situations represents the MOST significant deviation from this model's core assumptions?

Applying Economic Models to a Real-World Scenario

Simple economic models of borrowing and lending make several simplifying assumptions. Match each of the following real-world scenarios to the specific limitation of the simple model that it best illustrates.

A simplified economic model of borrowing assumes an individual can freely borrow any amount at a single market interest rate. According to this model's logic, if it accurately predicts the borrowing choices of a high-income individual, it must also accurately predict the choices of a low-income individual, since the basic trade-off between consuming now versus later is universal.

Model vs. Reality in Lending Decisions

A government analyst uses a simplified economic model which assumes that all individuals can borrow or lend any amount they wish at a single, fixed interest rate. Based on this model, the analyst concludes that a government-mandated, universally available low-interest rate loan will completely solve the problem of individuals being unable to afford major purchases. Which of the following statements provides the strongest critique of the analyst's conclusion by identifying a critical omission in the model?

Evaluating a Model's Prediction

The primary limitation of simple economic models of borrowing and lending is that they fail to account for individuals' irrational psychological biases when making consumption decisions over time.

Critiquing an Economic Policy Statement