Factors that Shift the Demand Curve (Edexcel IGCSE Economics)

Revision Note

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Shifts of the Entire Demand Curve

  • There are numerous factors that will change the demand for a good/service, irrespective of the price level

    • Collectively, these factors are called the non-price determinants of demand

  • Changes to any of these shifts the entire demand curve (as opposed to a movement along the demand curve)

    Diagram: Shift of the Demand Curve

Changes to any of the conditions of demand shifts the entire demand curve left or right, irrespective of the price level

Changes to any of the non-price determinants of demand shifts the entire demand curve left or right, irrespective of the price level

Diagram analysis

  • For example, if a firm increases their Instagram advertising, there will be an increase in demand as more consumers become aware of the product

    • This is a shift in demand from D to D1. The price remains unchanged at £7 but the demand has increased from 15 to 25 units

Explaining the Non-price Determinants of Demand


Determinant


Explanation

Advertising increases

  • If more money is spent on advertising or branding, then demand for goods/services will increase as more consumers are aware of the product

  • There is a direct relationship between branding/advertising and demand

  • D shifts right (D → D1)

Changes in real income

  • Real Income determines how many goods/services can be enjoyed by consumers

  • There is a direct relationship between income and demand for normal goods

  • Income increases 

    • D shifts right (D → D1)

Changes in fashion/tastes

  • If goods/services become more fashionable, then demand for them increases

  • There is a direct relationship between changes in taste/fashion and demand

  • Good becomes more fashionable

    • D shifts right (D → D1)

Changes in the price of substitute goods

  • Changes in the price of substitute goods will influence the demand for a product/service

  • There is a direct relationship between the price of good A and demand for good B

  • For example, the price of a Sony 60" TV increases so the demand for LG 60" TV increases

  • Price of good A increases

    • D for good B shifts right (D → D1)

Changes in the price of complementary goods

  • Changes in the price of complementary goods will influence the demand for a product/service

  • There is an inverse relationship between the price of good A and demand for good B

  • For example, the price of printer ink increases so the demand for ink printers decreases

  • Price of good A increases

    • D for good B shifts left (D → D2)

Demographic changes

  • If the population size of a country changes over time, then the demand for goods/services will also change

  • There is a direct relationship between the changes in population size and demand

  • Demand will also change if there is a change to the age distribution in a country as different ages demand different goods/services e.g an ageing population will buy more hearing aids

  • Population increases

    • D shifts right (D → D1)

Exam Tip

The difference between a movement along the demand curve and a shift in demand is essential to understand. You will be repeatedly examined on this and it is important that you use the correct language to show that you understand the difference between a change in quantity demanded and a change in demand.

When price changes (ceteris paribus), there is a movement along the demand curve resulting in a change to quantity demanded. When a condition of demand changes, there is a shift of the entire demand curve, resulting in a change to demand.

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Lorraine

Author: Lorraine

Lorraine brings over 12 years of dedicated teaching experience to the realm of Leaving Cert and IBDP Economics. Having served as the Head of Department in both Dublin and Milan, Lorraine has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to academic excellence. Lorraine has extended her expertise to private tuition, positively impacting students across Ireland. Lorraine stands out for her innovative teaching methods, often incorporating graphic organisers and technology to create dynamic and engaging classroom environments.