A rightward shift of a demand curve is called a(n):

• A. decrease in demand
• B. increase in demand
• C. change in quantity demanded
• D. movement along the demand curve

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between a 'shift' of the demand curve and a 'movement along' the demand curve. A movement along the demand curve happens when the price changes, affecting quantity demanded, but the demand curve itself does not move.
2. Recognize that a 'shift' of the demand curve means the entire curve moves either to the right or to the left, indicating a change in demand at every price level, not just a change in quantity demanded due to price.
3. A rightward shift of the demand curve means that at every price, consumers are willing to buy more of the good than before, which is called an 'increase in demand'.
4. A leftward shift would indicate a decrease in demand, meaning consumers want less of the good at every price.
5. Therefore, the term for a rightward shift of the demand curve is 'increase in demand', distinguishing it from a movement along the curve or a decrease in demand.