Discuss the factors responsible for shifts in the demand curve.

Movement along a demand curve:

Movement along a demand curve is refers to change in quantity demanded due to change in price in the same demand schedule. When price falls, then quantity demanded increase causing movement down the demand curve. In the following diagram 1, movement from point A to B on demand curved d₁, implies that quantity demanded increases due to fall in price, This is called expansion of demand or increase in quantity demanded or movement along the demand curve. On the other hand, in diagram 2, movement from point E to point F on demand curve d₂, implies decline in quantity demanded due to an increase in price. This is called contraction of demand or decrease in quantity demanded or movement along the same demand curve.

Shift of demand curve/change in demand:

Shift of demand curve/change in demand is refers to increase or decrease in demand at the same price due to change in other determinants of the demand curve. In such a case a shift takes place in the demand curve. An increases to demand takes place due to following reasons:

1. When consumer income rises,
2. The fashion for a good increases,
3. Tastes and preferences become more favorable for the good,
4. Prices of the substitutes of the good in question have risen,
5. Propensity to consume of the people has increased.