Which of the following changes would cause a shift in the demand curve for a good (rather than a movement along the curve)?

• A. A change in the quantity demanded due to a change in the good's price
• B. A change in consumer income, holding the good's price constant
• C. A movement from one point to another on the same demand curve caused by a change in the good's price
• D. A change in the price of the good itself

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between a movement along the demand curve and a shift of the demand curve. A movement along the demand curve occurs when the price of the good changes, affecting the quantity demanded, while all other factors remain constant.
2. Recognize that a shift in the demand curve happens when a non-price determinant of demand changes. These determinants include consumer income, tastes and preferences, prices of related goods, expectations, and the number of buyers.
3. Analyze each option: changes in the good's own price cause movements along the demand curve, not shifts. Therefore, options mentioning changes in the good's price correspond to movements along the curve.
4. Identify that a change in consumer income, holding the good's price constant, affects consumers' purchasing power and preferences, leading to a shift in the demand curve either to the right (increase in demand) or to the left (decrease in demand).
5. Conclude that the correct choice is the one involving a change in consumer income, as it is a non-price factor that shifts the entire demand curve rather than causing movement along it.