--%>

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 : Union Strategies and the Taft-Hartley

    The union strategy made illegal through the Taft-Hartley Act of 1948 was: (1) Jurisdictional strikes centered on which the unions would symbolize a firm’s staff. (2) Contracts in which the firms agreed to preferentially encourage the union members. (3) ‘Ri

  • Q : Sharing the characteristics of purely

    Purely competitive markets share the feature of: (i) collusive behavior among of large firms. (ii) freedom of entry and exit in the long run. (iii) extensive negotiations about prices in between buyers and sellers. (iv) widespread product differentiat

  • Q : Find supply when slope of supply curve

    When the slope of a supply curve which goes through the basis equals one, supply is: (w) price elastic. (x) price inelastic. (y) unitarily price elastic. (z) indeterminate like to elasticity without more information.

    Q : Meaning of utility For economists, the

    For economists, the term "utility" signifies: 1) versatility and flexibility 2) rationality 3) pleasure and satisfaction 4) purposefulness.

  • Q : Monopsony Power and Demand for Labor

    Subsequent to adjusting for inflation, Alex Rodriquez salary with NY Yankees was much higher in the year 2006 than Henry Aaron's salary with the Atlanta Braves in the year 1970s that implies that: (i) The 2006 Yankees was more liberal than the year 1970s Braves. (ii)

  • Q : Signals to guide production The dollar

    The dollar votes serve to: (i) Offer signals to guide production. (ii) Offer signals to sway govt. policies. (iii) Elect corporate executives. (iv) Elect politicians. Can someone please help me in finding out the accurate answer fr

  • Q : Oligopoly and the law An illegal

    An illegal practice from an oligopolistic firm would be: (w) price leadership. (x) direct price collusion with rivals. (y) non-price competition. (z) mutual interdependence in price and output decisions. I need a g

  • Q : Question based on type of economy An

    An industry comprised of a small number of firms, each of which considers the potential reactions of its rivals in making price-output decisions is called: A) monopolistic competition.  B) oligopoly.  C) pure monopoly.  D) pure competition.

  • Q : Meritocracy in System of Distribution

    An emphasis onto socioeconomic mobility based upon equality of opportunity, independently of inheritances of land or else physical capital, which is a centerpiece of a system of distribution termed as: (1) meritocracy. (2) laissez faire capitalism. (3

  • Q : Zero or negative marginal utility of a

    Whenever the marginal utility of a good becomes negative or zero: (i) Goods are transformed to the bads. (ii) Net utility reaches the maximum and then declines. (iii) The maximum total advantages have been squeezed from good. (iv) People are unwilling