--%>

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 : Find price elasticity of demand by arc

    When the price of plastic moose heads increases from $25 to $35 and monthly sales drop by 2000 units to 1000 units, by using the arc elasticity formula, in that case their price elasticity of demand equals: (w) 1/3. (x) 3.0. (y) 2.0.

  • Q : When price elasticity rise Price

    Price elasticity of demand for a good will tend to rise as the: (i) Number of reasonably good replacements available rises. (ii) Consumer income level rises. (iii) Good is a less significant budget item. (iv) Time permitted for response reduces. (v) Elasticity of supp

  • Q : Assignment hi tutor, I sent you the new

    hi tutor, I sent you the new one assignment, Can you solve it for me , please. I want to receive the solution on this Saturday (11/1/2014) . Is that ok? Thank you so much.

  • Q : Market adjustment for new equilibrium

    This market for peanuts will adjust to a new equilibrium at price: (1) P0 and quantity Q0. (2) P1 and quantity Q0. (3) P2 and quantity Q2. (4) P3 and quantity Q1.

  • Q : Problem on public demand In the year of

    In the year of 1996 McDonald's introduced its Arch Deluxe hamburger, which failed to catch on with the public and was subsequently dropped from the menu. This failure illustrates the idea of: A) consumer sovereignty. B) technological change. C) downsloping demand

  • Q : Function of negative economic profits A

    A function of negative economic profits is to: (w) attract new firms into the industry. (x) keep competition within. (y) signal to other firms to invest their capital into this industry. (z) correct resource allocations by forcing firms generating los

  • Q : Reduces total production cost and raise

    Assume that Joe discovers the price elasticity of market demand to be 0.8 for Joe’s additional fancy dehydrated water at the present price of $10 per barrel. Every barrel averages $2 to generate. Joe can: (w) increase his profits by 80% if he in

  • Q : Yield behaviour conflicting law of

    Which of the given statements, if true, seems most probable to yield behavior which would conflict with the law of demand? (i) People cannot afford to drive as much whenever the price of gasoline goes above $3.00 per gallon. (ii) The greater heroin addicts encompass i

  • Q : Quantity demanded in Substitution

    I have a problem in economics on Quantity demanded in Substitution process. Please help me in the following question. The sales growth resultant from price cuts for a good reflects rises in: (i) Quantity demanded. (ii) Demand. (iii) Quantity supplied.

  • Q : Competitive advertising as waste of

    Economists have conventionally concluded which, from the vantage point of society as an entire, competitive advertising in that case: (1) enables consumers to make more efficient economic choices. (2) is a waste of resources. (3) cons