Final answer:
Jerica's habitual shoplifting represents consumer problem behavior. Behavioral economics explains such actions by illustrating how individuals' decisions are influenced by the framing of situations, like perceived savings. This differs from actions based on situational choices, such as answering important calls while driving or bargaining at markets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to which behavior represents consumer problem behavior is: a. Jerica shoplifts and is unable to control her habit. Shoplifting is an example of problem behavior because it is illegal and harmful to businesses and society. Consumer problem behavior refers to actions that are detrimental not just to individuals, but also to the markets and communities they are part of.
Behavioral economics offers insight into why individuals might engage in such behavior, often related to the way they assess risk, consequences, or the perceived benefits of their actions. As illustrated by the scenarios of buying an alarm clock or a phone at a discount, consumer decisions can be influenced by how the situation is framed, which in turn might lead to actions like shoplifting if an individual justifies it as a way to save money or to overcome a perceived unjust system.
In the described instances, Jerica's inability to control her habit indicates a problematic pattern of behavior, which contrasts the other scenarios that reflect situational decisions with less severe longer-term consequences for their economic behavior.