The Hoover Index

Description: The Hoover Index is a measure of economic inequality developed by Calvin B. Hoover in 1948. It is calculated as the sum of the absolute differences between the incomes of all pairs of individuals in a population, divided by the total income of the population. The Hoover Index ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 representing perfect inequality.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: economics economic inequality hoover index
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What is the Hoover Index?

  1. A measure of economic inequality

  2. A measure of economic growth

  3. A measure of economic development

  4. A measure of economic stability


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hoover Index is a measure of economic inequality that is calculated as the sum of the absolute differences between the incomes of all pairs of individuals in a population, divided by the total income of the population.

What is the range of the Hoover Index?

  1. 0 to 1

  2. -1 to 1

  3. 0 to infinity

  4. -infinity to infinity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hoover Index ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 representing perfect equality and 1 representing perfect inequality.

What is the formula for the Hoover Index?

  1. $$H = \frac{1}{N^2}\sum_{i=1}^N\sum_{j=1}^N|y_i - y_j|$$

  2. $$H = \frac{1}{N}\sum_{i=1}^N|y_i - y_j|$$

  3. $$H = \sum_{i=1}^N\sum_{j=1}^N|y_i - y_j|$$

  4. $$H = \frac{1}{N^2}\sum_{i=1}^N|y_i - y_{avg}|$$


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The formula for the Hoover Index is $$H = \frac{1}{N^2}\sum_{i=1}^N\sum_{j=1}^N|y_i - y_j|$$, where N is the number of individuals in the population and y_i is the income of individual i.

What does a Hoover Index of 0 indicate?

  1. Perfect equality

  2. Perfect inequality

  3. Moderate inequality

  4. High inequality


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A Hoover Index of 0 indicates perfect equality, meaning that all individuals in the population have the same income.

What does a Hoover Index of 1 indicate?

  1. Perfect equality

  2. Perfect inequality

  3. Moderate inequality

  4. High inequality


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A Hoover Index of 1 indicates perfect inequality, meaning that one individual in the population has all of the income and all other individuals have no income.

Which country has the highest Hoover Index?

  1. South Africa

  2. Brazil

  3. China

  4. United States


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

South Africa has the highest Hoover Index, indicating the highest level of economic inequality in the world.

Which country has the lowest Hoover Index?

  1. Denmark

  2. Sweden

  3. Norway

  4. Finland


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Denmark has the lowest Hoover Index, indicating the lowest level of economic inequality in the world.

How has the Hoover Index changed over time?

  1. It has increased

  2. It has decreased

  3. It has remained the same

  4. It has fluctuated


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Hoover Index has increased over time, indicating that economic inequality has increased over time.

What are some of the factors that contribute to economic inequality?

  1. Differences in education

  2. Differences in skills

  3. Differences in opportunities

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Economic inequality is caused by a variety of factors, including differences in education, skills, and opportunities.

What are some of the consequences of economic inequality?

  1. Social unrest

  2. Political instability

  3. Economic stagnation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Economic inequality can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including social unrest, political instability, and economic stagnation.

What are some of the policies that can be used to reduce economic inequality?

  1. Progressive taxation

  2. Social safety nets

  3. Investment in education and skills training

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are a variety of policies that can be used to reduce economic inequality, including progressive taxation, social safety nets, and investment in education and skills training.

Is economic inequality a problem?

  1. Yes

  2. No

  3. It depends

  4. I don't know


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Economic inequality is a problem because it can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including social unrest, political instability, and economic stagnation.

What can individuals do to reduce economic inequality?

  1. Support policies that reduce economic inequality

  2. Donate to charities that help people in need

  3. Volunteer your time to help people in need

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Individuals can help to reduce economic inequality by supporting policies that reduce economic inequality, donating to charities that help people in need, and volunteering their time to help people in need.

What is the future of economic inequality?

  1. It will increase

  2. It will decrease

  3. It will remain the same

  4. It is uncertain


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The future of economic inequality is uncertain. It is possible that economic inequality will continue to increase, decrease, or remain the same.

What is the most important thing that can be done to reduce economic inequality?

  1. Increase the minimum wage

  2. Provide free education and healthcare

  3. Break up large corporations

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There is no single solution to reducing economic inequality. A combination of policies, including increasing the minimum wage, providing free education and healthcare, and breaking up large corporations, is likely to be necessary.

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