Which of the following would increase the demand for beef?

• A. A decrease in the population
• B. An increase in consumer income, assuming beef is a normal good
• C. A decrease in the price of chicken, a substitute for beef
• D. A government campaign promoting vegetarian diets

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of demand: Demand refers to the quantity of a good that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices, holding other factors constant.
2. Recall that for a normal good, an increase in consumer income leads to an increase in demand because consumers can afford to buy more of the good.
3. Analyze the effect of population changes: A decrease in population generally reduces the number of consumers, which tends to decrease demand, not increase it.
4. Consider substitutes: A decrease in the price of chicken, a substitute for beef, would likely cause consumers to buy more chicken instead of beef, thus decreasing the demand for beef.
5. Evaluate external influences: A government campaign promoting vegetarian diets would likely reduce demand for beef by encouraging consumers to avoid meat.