Monday, November 09, 2009
How Does a Change In FC affect MC
When fixed costs are decreased, how does the marginal cost curve change? In this lesson you will see why a change in fixed costs does not change the marginal cost.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Duration of Unemployment
Fantastic graphs are here.
As the length of unemployment lengthens, unemployment benefits expire. Workers have an incentive to find work. The graphs show that the unemployment rate is increasing which means workers are not finding employment.
As the length of unemployment lengthens, unemployment benefits expire. Workers have an incentive to find work. The graphs show that the unemployment rate is increasing which means workers are not finding employment.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Marshmellows, Mischel, and Success
A long-time reader shares these links about delayed gratification and success. The first link is from the New Yorker, DON'T The Secret of Self-Control.
The second link is to a TED Talk Video.
The link is clear that later success depends on investment in human capital now. Has anyone studied the economics of changing tastes and preferences so that we can change student behavior?
The second link is to a TED Talk Video.
The link is clear that later success depends on investment in human capital now. Has anyone studied the economics of changing tastes and preferences so that we can change student behavior?
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Characteristics of the Unemployed

This data is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In every case except Asian Men, the unemployment rate was greater for men. That is, in every sub-group, men experienced a higher rate of unemployment than women. My research tells me that women take jobs that are not subject to cyclical changes. Women take accounting jobs, for example. These jobs are still needed even in a recession. Women choose professional occupations like dentistry that are independent of seasonal demand.
My advice for those wishing to be insulated from changes in consumer demand.
Marshmellow Test
A follow-up to yesterday's post is the Mashmellow Test by Walter Mischel. Thanks goes to reader Chrissy Rudd for the tip.
If success in school is a function of delayed gratification, then teachers should be willing to structure teaching to give immediate knowledge of results. Teachers should allow students to grade most of their own work, use computer assisted instruction, and use audience response systems in their lectures. Teachers should constantly monitor behavior to direct student involvement by walking around the room and giving one-minute praises.
If you are a teacher, what do you do to provide immediate and effective feedback to your students?
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