The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Economics is broadly divided into two main branches based on the scope of analysis: Microeconomics, which analyzes the behavior of individual economic agents, and Macroeconomics, which studies the economy as a whole through aggregate variables.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Microeconomics focuses on the decisions and behaviors of individual units, such as households, firms, and specific industries. It studies how prices and quantities are determined in individual markets. It does not study economy-wide phenomena like total national output; that is the domain of Macroeconomics.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Macroeconomics deals with the performance, structure, and behavior of the entire economy. It focuses on aggregate measures such as total national output (Gross Domestic Product), total employment, and national income.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Macroeconomics studies the general price level of the economy and its fluctuations (inflation and deflation). While Microeconomics looks at the relative prices of specific goods, Macroeconomics looks at the overall price trends affecting the purchasing power of money.
Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction lies in the scope of analysis: Microeconomics examines individual units (firms, households), while Macroeconomics examines aggregate variables (GDP, inflation, unemployment) representing the economy as a whole.