--%>

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 : Relatively price inelastic and consumer

    When demand for a consumer good is relatively price inelastic, in that case the: (i) total spending of consumers will decline when the price rises. (ii) demand curve is linear and vertical. (iii) price of the good is determined through supply alone. (

  • Q : Total revenue in profit-maximizing

    Total revenue (i.e., TR=PQ) for such profit-maximizing competitive firm equals area as: (a) 0P1gq5. (b) 0P1dq4. (c) 0P2cq3. (d) P2

  • Q : Monopsony Power and the Demand for Labor

    Can someone help me in finding out the right answer from the given options. The labor monopsonist will hire labor up to a point where marginal: (1) Revenue product of the labor equivalents the wage. (2) Resource cost of labor equivalents the wage. (3) Revenue product

  • Q : Multimarket Monopoly A monopolist

    A monopolist operates in two separated markets. The inverse demand functions ofthose markets are given by      and      where   arethe quantities supplied to these markets, respectively. The total cost function facedby the monopolist is &nbs

  • Q : Problem relating to supply curve Can

    Can someone help me in finding out the right answer from the given options. The supply curve reveals the highest: (i) Stock on hand in inventory. (ii) Gains a firm makes by selling varying quantity of a good. (iii) Quantity of a good which sellers will offer at differ

  • Q : What is an Indifference curve

    Indifference curve: It is the combination of two goods that provides consumer similar level of satisfaction.

  • Q : Minimum wage laws for graduates students

    Casual surveys of students at the starting of each semester reveal an amused although overwhelming maintain for a proposal to increase the legal minimum wages of graduates from college to $50,000 yearly. They supposed our proposal was facetious. But a

  • Q : Automation and Wage Rates When physical

    When physical capital becomes cheaper, in that case: (w) some workers may be displaced but worker productivity usually rises. (x) automation will make jobs for more workers. (y) workers will supply more labor services. (z) labor supply curves will move in backward ben

  • Q : Example of drop in demand Decreased

    Decreased airline bookings subsequent to some major airline crashes would point out a: (i) Reduction in the amount of airline travel demanded. (ii) Drop in the demand for air travel. (iii) Phobia among air travelers which is irrational. (iv) Horizontal demand curve fo

  • Q : Oligopoly output control by

    An industry dominated by some consciously interdependent firms which control most of its output is an: (1) uncontestable market. (2) oligopoly. (3) illegal conspiracy. (4) unnatural monopoly. (5) entrepreneurial cartel. Can someone