1. Shifts of the Demand Curve
In this lesson, students will identify factors which can cause a demand curve to shift.
Students will be able to define and/or identify the following terms:
Ceteris Paribus
Shifts in the Demand Curve
Factors that Cause a Demand Curve to Shift
Complements

2. While the price of a good influences a
consumer’s decision to purchase, it is
not the only factor.

3. Ceteris Paribus
Ceteris Paribus is a Latin phrase meaning that all other things are held constant.
A demand curve assumes Ceteris Paribus or that only price is changing while all other things are held constant.
In other words, a demand curve only looks at price. It does not consider other factors that influence demand.

4. As any parent will tell you, sometimes
cereal is only bought for the toy inside.

5. Shifts in the Demand Curve
When a demand curve shifts, it moves.
Price can never shift a demand curve because price is in the demand curve.
To shift a demand curve, it must be some factor other than price.

6. D is the original demand curve D1 is the demand curve after it
has shifted. Notice that by shifting
to the left, demand has decreased
at every price level.

7. Here is a simple rule to remember:
If the curve shifts left, left means
less. Demand has decreased at
every price level.
If the curve shifts right, right means
more. Demand has increased at

8. Certainly, an outbreak of Mad Cow’s Disease would decrease demand for
beef at every price level.

9. Factors that Can Shift a Demand Curve
The following are factors that can shift a demand curve:
Advertising
Population
Consumer Taste
Consumer Expectations about Future Prices
The Price of Complements
The Price of Substitutes

10. The Baby Boom generation increased
demand for goods at all price levels.

11. Advertising can increase demand at
all price levels.

12. Complements are goods purchased
together. If the price of the Game Cube
rises, people will buy fewer games.

13. If we think the price of a popular good will drop, we will buy less
at all price levels today and wait
for the future lower price.

14. Questions for Reflection:
State the Law of Demand.
What is the relationship between the law of demand and Ceteris Paribus?
Why can price not shift a demand curve?
What factors can shift a demand curve?
Provide an example of a complement.
What happens when a demand curve shifts left? Right?