How is a contraction in demand represented on the demand curve?

A contraction in demand is represented by a movement along the demand curve rather than a shift of the entire curve. More specifically, it signifies a decrease in the quantity demanded at a specific price level, typically indicated by a downward movement along the curve.

When the price of a good rises, consumers tend to purchase less of that good, leading to this downward movement to a lower quantity demanded. This contrasts with a shift in the demand curve, which would signify a change in demand due to factors other than price, such as changes in consumer income or preferences. Thus, a downward movement captures the essence of a contraction in demand as a response to an increase in price while keeping other factors constant.