Which of the following events could shift the demand curve for corn to the left?

• A. A successful advertising campaign promoting the health benefits of corn
• B. A decrease in consumer income, assuming corn is a normal good
• C. A decrease in the price of corn
• D. An increase in the price of wheat, a substitute for corn

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a leftward shift in the demand curve means a decrease in demand at every price level.
2. Recall that a decrease in consumer income typically shifts the demand curve for a normal good to the left, because consumers buy less of the good when they have less income.
3. Recognize that a successful advertising campaign promoting health benefits would increase demand, shifting the demand curve to the right, not left.
4. Note that a decrease in the price of corn causes a movement along the demand curve (change in quantity demanded), not a shift of the demand curve itself.
5. Understand that an increase in the price of wheat, a substitute for corn, would increase demand for corn, shifting its demand curve to the right, not left.