The signals that guide the allocation of resources in a market economy areGroup of answer choicesprices.surpluses and shortages.government policies.quantities.

The signals that guide the allocation of resources in a market economy are prices.

Here's why:

1. Prices act as a signal for buyers and sellers. For buyers, a high price is a deterrent that discourages consumption and encourages them to seek alternatives. For sellers, a high price is an incentive that encourages more production.

2. Prices also serve as a rationing function. When the demand for a good exceeds its supply, its price will rise, which will discourage some buyers, ensuring that the limited supply of the good is allocated to those buyers who are willing and able to pay the higher price.

3. Prices are flexible and can easily adjust to changes in the market. If there is a sudden increase in demand, prices will rise and signal producers to produce more. If there is a sudden fall in demand, prices will fall and signal producers to produce less.

4. Prices are a reflection of the value of a good as perceived by consumers and producers. Therefore, they help guide resources towards the production of goods that are most valued by society.

So, while surpluses and shortages, government policies, and quantities can have an impact on the market, it is prices that primarily serve as the signals for resource allocation in a market economy.