If your economics class was graded on a curve and everyone agrees to study only half as much, everyone would get the same grade that they otherwise would earn. You, however, will earn an A if you study more than the others, a C if you study the same amount as others, and an F if everyone else studies more than you. You don't like studying, but you'd rather study and get an A than get a C without studying, or study and get a C than get an F without studying. All the students in your class get together and agree not to study, but have no way of verifying if anyone does study. Do you think that this cartel will succeed?
A) Yes, everyone will probably cut back on their studying.
B) No, some (and maybe all) participants will cheat on the agreement.
C) It depends on the professor.
D) This situation is not like a cartel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is likely that some students will cheat on the agreement and study more, especially if they really want to earn a higher grade. There is no way to enforce the agreement, so it is likely that some students will break it. This situation is similar to a cartel in the sense that there is no way to enforce the agreement, which makes it difficult to maintain.

If Your Economics Class Was Graded on a Curve and Everyone