Which of the following was NOT given in the textbook as a good reason to disaggregate consumer groups when analyzing consumer surplus and willingness to pay?

• A. Disaggregation allows for more accurate measurement of consumer surplus.
• B. Policy interventions may affect groups differently.
• C. Disaggregation always increases total consumer surplus.
• D. Different groups may have varying willingness to pay.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of disaggregation in microeconomics: it involves breaking down consumers into distinct groups based on characteristics such as income, preferences, or demographics to analyze their behavior more precisely.
2. Recall the reasons why disaggregation is useful: it allows for more accurate measurement of consumer surplus by capturing differences in willingness to pay across groups.
3. Recognize that policy interventions may affect different consumer groups differently, so disaggregating helps in evaluating these varied impacts.
4. Note that different groups often have varying willingness to pay, which is crucial for understanding market demand and consumer surplus accurately.
5. Identify that the statement 'Disaggregation always increases total consumer surplus' is not a valid reason given in the textbook, because disaggregation itself does not change total consumer surplus; it only improves the accuracy of its measurement.