Which economic question determines how a society will produce goods and services?

The economic question that determines how a society will produce goods and services is known as the "allocation of resources" or "resource allocation." This question focuses on how a society decides which resources to allocate, how much of each resource to use, and which production methods to employ.

Extra: Resource allocation is a fundamental concept in economics that helps determine the most efficient and effective way to produce goods and services. There are three main methods of resource allocation:

1. Market-based Allocation: In a market-based allocation system, the decisions on resource allocation are driven by supply and demand forces in the market. Prices play a crucial role in determining which goods and services are produced and how they are produced. Producers respond to consumer demands and allocate resources according to market signals such as price and profit potential.

2. Centrally Planned Allocation: In a centrally planned allocation system, the government or central authority determines how the resources will be allocated. The government establishes production targets, decides which industries to support, and controls the allocation of resources. This method is often associated with command economies, where the government has significant control over the means of production.

3. Mixed Allocation: Many economies employ a mixed allocation system that combines elements of market-based and centrally planned systems. In a mixed allocation system, the market plays a significant role, but the government also intervenes to ensure equitable distribution of resources and to address market failures.

The choice of resource allocation method depends on various factors, including societal values, political ideology, and economic circumstances. Economists and policymakers continually debate the most efficient and fair way to allocate resources to maximize societal welfare.