--%>

Good theory

It is frequently said that a good theory is one which can in principle be refuted by an empirical, data-oriented study. Describe why a theory which cannot be evaluated empirically is not a good theory.
In evaluating theory there are two steps: firstly, you have to examine the reasonability of the theory's assumptions; secondly, you have to test the theory's predictions by comparing them with facts. If a theory cannot be tested, it cannot be accepted or rejected. Hence, it contributes little to our understanding of reality.

   Related Questions in Microeconomics

  • Q : Price equality to marginal costs A

    A nondiscriminating monopolist's equilibrium output is inconsistent along with: (w) marginal revenue equals marginal cost [MR = MC]. (x) price equal to marginal costs [P = MC]. (y) price exceeding average variable costs [P > AVC]. (z) price exceedi

  • Q : Determine a price taker from firm Of

    Of the given firms, the probably to be a price taker would be a: (i) sheep herder in a remote part of New Zealand. (ii) local gas and electric company. (iii) sculptor’s agent who contacts potential buyers through the internet. (iv) small town&rs

  • Q : Facing a demand curve by purely

    A purely competitive firm faces a demand curve which is: (1) perfectly inelastic. (2) upward sloping. (3) perfectly elastic. (4) a vertical line. (5) downward sloping. Can anybody suggest me the proper explanation

  • Q : Problem on free trade equilibrium The

    The domestic demand curve for portable radios is provided by Qd = 5000 − 100P, here Qd is the number of radios which would be purchased whenever the price is P. The domestic supply curve for radios is provided by Qs = 150P, where Qs

  • Q : What is the sum of market demand for a

    I have a problem in economics on what is the sum of market demand for a good. Please help me in the following question. The other things constant, market demand for the good is a sum of: (i) Firm’s utility-maximizing decisions. (ii) Amounts dema

  • Q : Cost conditions and market demand curve

    The fact that a firm along with market power adjusts output depending upon both cost conditions and the features of the market demand curve means that: (w) the amount which a monopolist produces tends to be more volatile than the outp

  • Q : Profit maximization-output level in

    Profit maximization needs a purely competitive firm to manufacture at an output level where: (i) marginal revenue > marginal cost. (ii) marginal cost equals the competitive price. (iii) marginal cost is falling. (iv) marginal reven

  • Q : Monopolistic competition in the long

    This figure demonstrates a: (w) long run equilibrium for a firm in a perfectly competitive industry. (x) short run equilibrium for a natural monopoly. (y) short run circumstances for a monopolistically-competitive firm into long run equilibrium. (z) cartel which maxim

  • Q : What is Marketability What is

    What is Marketability. Write some points for it.

  • Q : Quantity demands equivalent quantity

    These supply and demand curves for sugar propose that the: (1) demand price exceeds the supply price at quantity Q2. (2) technology should advance to allow output to develop to Q4. (3) quantity demanded equals quantity supplied at P1.