Question

Buying something in order to increase social status is known as _____ consumption.

A. Conspicuous
B. Emotional
C. Research
D. Wise

Answer 1

process of elimination of c and d, which leaves a and b, favored more on b 

Answer 2

Answer: A. Conspicuous

Conspicuous consumption refers to the acquisition of luxurious goods in order to demonstrate wealth and status, rather than to cover a need. The term was introduced by the Norwegian-American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his book The Theory of the Leisure Class of 1899.