Final answer:
The claim in the student's question is false; dependent demand items are actually those whose demand is tied to the production of another item. Factors affecting demand include tastes and preferences, income, prices of related goods, and population size/composition. These elements are pivotal for businesses and policymakers to make informed decisions that effectively balance market supply and demand.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question on dependent demand items contains a misunderstanding. Dependent demand items are those for which demand is directly connected to the demand for another item, typically because one is used to produce the other, e.g., parts for a car. Conversely, independent demand items are influenced by market conditions and are not related to the inventory decisions for other items. Therefore, the statement presented in the question is false.
Factors that affect demand include tastes and preferences, income level, prices of related goods, and the size or composition of the population. Willingness to purchase is dictated by personal likes and dislikes, or societal trends, which is part of tastes and preferences. Ability to purchase reflects the economic capacity of the individual, such as income. For instance, professors can generally afford more expensive items than students can.
Prices of related goods also play a critical role; if a substitute goods' price drops, it may affect the demand for another good. Lastly, population changes, such as family size, alter the demand for specific items; families with more children will have a higher demand for clothing and potentially car insurance, while diaper and baby formula demand might decrease.
Understanding these economic circumstances is vital for businesses and policymakers in their decision-making processes, to account for shifts in demand and accommodate supply accordingly.