4. Cost-benefit analysis attempts to:
A. compare the real worth, rather than the market values, of various goods and services.
B. compare the relative desirability of alternative distributions of income.
C. determine whether it is better to cut government expenditures or reduce taxes.
D. compare the benefits and costs associated with any economic project or activity.

Question

4.    Cost-benefit analysis attempts to:
A.    compare the real worth, rather than the market values, of various goods and services.
B.    compare the relative desirability of alternative distributions of income.
C.    determine whether it is better to cut government expenditures or reduce taxes.
D.    compare the benefits and costs associated with any economic project or activity.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the purpose of cost-benefit analysis in economics. 
Option A: 'compare the real worth, rather than the market values, of various goods and services.' This is not accurate because cost-benefit analysis typically uses monetary measures and market values to compare costs and benefits, even if it incorporates some non-market values, it does not focus on 'real worth' independent of market valuation as its primary tool.
Option B: 'compare the relative desirability of alternative distributions of income.' This describes a concern with equity or income distribution, not with analyzing a single project’s costs and benefits. Cost-benefit analysis is more about evaluating the net value of a project rather than comparing distributions of income across the economy.
Option C: 'determine whether it is better to cut government expenditures or reduce taxes.' While cost-benefit analysis can inform policy choices, this option simplifies a broad evaluative tool into a single fiscal decision. In practice, cost-benefit analysis assesses the net benefits of specific options or projects, not a general binary policy choice between expenditures and tax changes.
Option D: 'compare the benefits and costs associated with any economic project or activity.' This captures the core purpose: weighing all relevant costs against all relevant benefits to decide if a project or activity is worthwhile, often using monetary valuations and sometimes including non-monetary factors, but always aimed at the net impact.
In summary, each option contrasts with the standard definition of cost-benefit analysis. The first three describe narrower or off-target aims, whereas the fourth aligns with the comprehensive evaluation of a project’s positive and negative impacts. The framing in option D aligns with the widely accepted objective of cost-benefit analysis in economics and public policy.

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