Scarcity
the amount of something available is insufficient to satisfy the desire for it
Microeconomics
studies the behavior of individual households, firms, and governments
Macroeconomics
studies the behavior of the overall economy (how everyone works together)
Positive Economics
how the economy works (looks at whats been occurring to predict the future-looks at facts)
Normative Economics
what "ought" to be (value judgements, equity)
Efficiency
when society is able to get the greatest amount of satisfaction out of available resources
Equity
income and wealth are fairly distributed throughout society
Full Employment
State of economy in which all eligible people who want to work can find employment at prevailing wage rates. However, it does not imply 100 percent employment because allowances must be made for frictional unemployment and seasonal factors.
Stability
achieved by avoiding or limiting fluctuations in production, employment, and prices
Growth
achieved by increasing the economy's ability to produce goods and services
Opportunity Cost
value of what you've lost (value of best alternative that is given up when making a choice)
Wants
They are boundless, and are not needed in order to survive (one's desire)
Needs
They are finite, where a people must have