Comparative Advantage - (Output Problems)
Couple of fun videos
In teaching comparative advantage this last couple of days I have made some connections that might have been plain to many before me, but I remained clueless. (story of my life)
The biggest confusion seems to come from being able to discern the difference between output and input problems.
Absolute advantage - A country is said to have
an absolute advantage in the production of a good if it can produce the most goods with the same resources: or the same amount of goods, using the least amount of
resources. (Efficiency is key) The
definition does not assume trade and
there is no analysis of opportunity
cost.
The key here is that to produce using an equal amount of resources. (Output Problem)
2008 AP Exam
Notice the "use equal amount of resources" (Output Problem)
2005 AP Exam
Notice the "10 units of labor for country A and the 10 units of labor for country B"
"equal amount of resources" (Output Problem)
2008 AP Exam
Notice: "using all of their available resources" - (Output Problem)
This problem doesn't say explicitly that equal resources are used but it does supply the axis which label grain and steel (in tons) as what is produced using all available resources.
Implies: that an equal amount of resources are used.
2010
Notice: Using equal amounts of labor hours. (Output Problem)
2008 AP Exam (FRQ)
Notice: "Using equal amounts of resources" (Output Problem)
2004 AP Exam (FRQ)
Notice: "Using equal amounts of resources" (Output Problem)
I think I have beaten this horse enough. I like to think that sometimes it is the small phrases or tips that we have students place in their brains that could possibly help them answer the question correctly.
Updated (Comparative Advantage Cheat Sheet)
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