Which phrase best describes the substitution effect in consumer choice theory?

• A. The change in quantity demanded due to a change in the relative price of goods, holding utility constant
• B. The difference between the market price and the equilibrium price
• C. The change in quantity demanded resulting from a change in consumer income
• D. The increase in consumer surplus when the market price falls below the willingness to pay

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the substitution effect refers to how a consumer changes their consumption of goods when the relative prices of those goods change, while keeping their overall satisfaction (utility) constant.
2. Recall that when the price of a good changes, consumers tend to substitute the good that has become relatively cheaper for the one that has become relatively more expensive.
3. Recognize that the substitution effect isolates the impact of the price change by adjusting consumption so that the consumer's utility level remains the same before and after the price change.
4. Differentiate the substitution effect from the income effect, which is the change in quantity demanded due to a change in the consumer's purchasing power or real income.
5. Conclude that the phrase 'The change in quantity demanded due to a change in the relative price of goods, holding utility constant' best describes the substitution effect.