Firms A and B are contemplating whether or not to invest in R&D. Each has two options: “Invest” and “Abstain.” A firm that invests will invent product X with a probability of 0.5, whereas a firm that abstains is incapable of invention. Investment costs $6. If a firm doesn’t invent X, it makes $0 in revenue. If a firm invests and is the only one to invent X, it becomes a monopolist and generates $20 in revenue. If both firms invent X, each firm becomes a duopolist, and generates $8 in revenue. Revenues are gross figures (i.e. they are not net of investment costs), and there are no costs besides investments costs (i.e. no variable cost of production etc.). The firms are risk-neutral entities, and are uninformed of each other’s investment decisions.Which of the following statements are correct? I. If Firm A and Firm B invest, there is a 0.25 probability that Firm A will become a monopolist and make $20 in revenue.II. If Firm A and Firm B invest, there is a 0.25 probability that Firm A will become a duopolist and make $8 in revenue.III. If Firm A invests and Firm B abstains, there is a 0.5 probability that Firm A will become a monopolist and make $20 in revenue.IV. If Firm A invests and Firm B abstains, there is a 0 probability (i.e. it is impossible) that Firm A will become a duopolist and make $8 in revenue. A) I, II, III, and IVB) Only I and IIC) Only III and IVD) Only I, II and IIIE) None of the statements are correct

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question

Firms A and B are contemplating whether or not to invest in R&D. Each has two options: “Invest” and “Abstain.” A firm that invests will invent product X with a probability of 0.5, whereas a firm that abstains is incapable of invention. Investment costs $6. If a firm doesn’t invent X, it makes $0 in revenue. If a firm invests and is the only one to invent X, it becomes a monopolist and generates $20 in revenue. If both firms invent X, each firm becomes a duopolist, and generates $8 in revenue. Revenues are gross figures (i.e. they are not net of investment costs), and there are no costs besides investments costs (i.e. no variable cost of production etc.). The firms are risk-neutral entities, and are uninformed of each other’s investment decisions.
Which of the following statements are correct?


I. If Firm A and Firm B invest, there is a 0.25 probability that Firm A will become a monopolist and make $20 in revenue.
II. If Firm A and Firm B invest, there is a 0.25 probability that Firm A will become a duopolist and make $8 in revenue.
III. If Firm A invests and Firm B abstains, there is a 0.5 probability that Firm A will become a monopolist and make $20 in revenue.
IV. If Firm A invests and Firm B abstains, there is a 0 probability (i.e. it is impossible) that Firm A will become a duopolist and make $8 in revenue.

A) I, II, III, and IV
B) Only I and II
C) Only III and IV
D) Only I, II and III
E) None of the statements are correct

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Probability and Expected Value
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education