Questions: The substitution bias
Select the correct answer below:
causes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to underestimate inflation
has no effect on the cost of living
leads to a loss of purchasing power
helps explain why the CPI overestimates inflation
Transcript text: The substitution bias
Select the correct answer below:
causes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to underestimate inflation
has no effect on the cost of living
leads to a loss of purchasing power
helps explain why the CPI overestimates inflation
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the Question
The question asks about the substitution bias and its effect on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Step 2: Understand Substitution Bias
Substitution bias occurs when consumers change their purchasing habits due to changes in relative prices, but the CPI does not fully account for this behavior.
Step 3: Analyze the Options
Causes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to underestimate inflation
Has no effect on the cost of living
Leads to a loss of purchasing power
Helps explain why the CPI overestimates inflation
Step 4: Determine the Correct Answer
Substitution bias typically leads to the CPI overestimating inflation because it does not account for consumers switching to cheaper alternatives when prices change.