Mask mandates are the subject of much debate and certainly were over the past year. Political sides, which are now less severe as mandates are lifted, are drawn up with some PROMOTING MANDATES AND OTHERS PERSONAL CHOICE. Regardless of politically-motivated arguments there is a role for economists in this discussion. Remember the consensus view is that controlling the pandemic is a prerequisite to a robust economy. Mask wearing has been found to be an important tool to prevent infections. So the question for economists is: are both policies equally effective in promoting mask wearing. If not, which results in a wider use of masks? THIS IS POSITIVE ANALYSIS, not just your opinion.

There is a special role for behavioral economics in this analysis. you will use behavioral economic principles to analyze mask policy.

1. Explain bounded rationality. You must discuss the components and their meaning. Don't just list them. Outside sources are required for this discussion. BE CAREFUL OF SOURCES

2. Discuss framing. Specifically opt-in/opt-out framing. You may refer to other forms of framing but the focus must be on opt-in/opt-out. Sources required.

3. Analyze the mask mandate vs. personal choice issue using the tools of behavioral economics and framing. Focus on the opt-in/opt-out dichotomy. This is your analysis. No sources needed.

4. BASED ON YOUR ANALYSIS in (3), what do you think the most effective mask policy is? Explain your answer.

Please use subheadings to delineate your sections. Proper citation methodology, including in-text citations, is mandatory.