Economists have traditionally assumed that consumers act rationally, weighing costs and benefits to maximize their own utility. Behavioral economics, however, has shown that people consistently deviate from this ideal — they overweigh losses, follow social cues, and make different decisions depending on how options are framed. These findings have begun to reshape fields ranging from public policy to marketing.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- A
Public policy is more important than economics.
- B
Marketing professionals have ignored economic theory.
- Ccheck_circle
Behavioral economics has revealed systematic departures from purely rational decision-making.
- D
Consumers always prefer to avoid losses over making gains.
Explanation
The passage contrasts the rational-actor assumption with behavioral findings of consistent deviations — A. B and C are not supported; D overstates a single example.