--%>

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 : Income elasticity of demand with small

    The income elasticity of demand can be approximately computed if we identify the percentage change within the: (1) quantity of a good demanded yielded by a specified absolute change in income. (2) price generated through a specified change in quantity

  • Q : Economics like a social science Why is

    Why is economics seen like a social science?

  • Q : What is indifference curve Indifference

    Indifference curve: It demonstrates various combinations of two goods that provide identical level of satisfaction to the consumer.

  • Q : Break even and zero economic profit

    After Babble-On’s patents lapsed and entry and exit turned into possible in this illustrated figure of market, in the long run Babble-On would be expected to: (i) continue to reap economic profits. (ii) break even and experience zero economic pr

  • Q : Production possibility history of World

    Can someone help me in determining the right answer from the given options. Through the onset of World War-II, the United States: (i) Expanded the military output just by increases taxes rigorously. (ii) Moved in the direction of its production possibilities frontier.

  • Q : Elasticity and Revenue At the point of

    At the point of unit elasticity beside the demand curve then a firm faces: (w) profits are always maximized. (x) total revenue is certainly at a maximum. (y) total costs are minimized. (z) All of the above. I need

  • Q : Demand when price of good or resource

    When the price of a good or resource drops, the demands for: (i) That good or resource raise. (ii) Complementary goods or resources reduce. (iii) Substitute goods or resources reduce. (iv) Luxury goods and inferior resources drop.

  • Q : Precise Equality of Income Distribution

    Precise equality of income distribution is demonstrated by: (1) line 0A0'. (2) line 0B0'. (3) line 0C0'. (4) line 0D0'. (5) line 0E0'.

    Q : Inter-temporal Costs and Benefits

    Harvey is currently a Junior Analyst at a financial firm.  His annual salary is $30,000, and past experience leads him to believe that the real (inflation adjusted) value of his salary will remain at that level in the future.  (Assume he is paid at the end o

  • Q : Surviving for maximum profits in

    Supposing that the competitive firms should seek the maximum profits to survive signifies that: (1) Firm do not make trial-and-error decisions. (2) Each and every firm always seeks the maximum gain and nothing else. (3) Competition is very profitable.