--%>

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 : Elimination of discrimination In the

    In the following diagram, the elimination of discrimination is best depicted by: 1) a move from C to E. 2) an inward shift of the production possibilities curve. 3) a move from A to D. 4) a move from E to C.

    Q : Output produces by monopolistic

    This monopolistic competitor generates Q0 output where is: (1) MR = MC. (2) MSB > MSC. (3) average cost is not minimized. (4) P = ATC. (5) All of the above.

    Q : Ceteris Paribus assumption The ceteris

    The ceteris paribus (all as well constant) assumption is most obviously implicit in the statement of a tailor who states that, “We will vend more suits in the month of May of 2008: (i) Than we sold in the month of May 2003. (ii) Than we sold in

  • Q : Market demands for automobiles The

    The market demands for automobiles are not rapidly and directly influenced by modifications in: (i) Income. (ii) Gasoline prices. (iii) Salaries paid to auto-workers. (iv) The number of legal drivers. (v) Preferences and tastes.

    Q : Formally effective a cartel To form and

    To form and effectively keep a cartel over time needs that the: (w) bulk of output be produced and sold by a minute number of cartel members. (x) product be relatively heterogeneous. (y) demand for the product be highly elastic. (z) government totall

  • Q : Price Rigidity Price Rigidity: The

    Price Rigidity: The other significant feature of oligopoly is price rigidity. Price is rigid or sticky at the prevailing level due to the fear of reaction from the rival firms. When an oligo

  • Q : Price ceilings causes shortages of a

    When price ceilings cause shortages of a good in that case the good tends to be: (1) replaced by substitutes by many consumers. (2) allocated by several non price mechanism. (3) more valuable to consumers than the money prices charged

  • Q : Operation of profit maximizing pure

    This profit-maximizing pure competitor would stop operating within this market into the long run when the price was expected to be persistently less than the price consequent to: (i) point c. (ii) point d. (iii) point e. (iv) point f. (v) point g.

  • Q : What is revenue deficit in government

    Revenue deficit in government budget: Whenever the revenue expenses of the government is more than the revenue receipts it is termed as revenue deficit Revenue expenditure > Revenue receipts

  • Q : Demand in price inelastic region

    HoloIMAGine will never deliberately generate and sell holographic technology at an output level where is: (w) marginal revenue [MR] is positive. (x) demand is in a price-elastic region. (y) marginal revenue [MR] is falling. (z) demand is in a price-in