Which of the following is an example of marginal analysis?

Marginal analysis involves examining the additional benefits and costs associated with a decision rather than looking at the total outcomes. In the context of studying one more hour for a test, this involves weighing the potential benefits of improved test performance against the costs of time and effort spent on studying beyond what has already been completed.

This analysis helps individuals determine whether the additional hour will yield a greater advantage in understanding the material or achieving a higher score, which is key to marginal decision-making. The focus is on the incremental changes resulting from that one extra hour, making this choice a clear example of marginal analysis.

The other examples do not reflect the principle of marginal analysis as closely. For instance, deciding between a car and public transport considers overall preferences and needs rather than specific incremental costs and benefits of a single choice, similarly with eating out versus cooking; these choices have more fixed costs and benefits. Considering college options based solely on reputation tends to involve broader criteria that don't focus on the marginal benefits of choosing one option over another.