--%>

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 : Competitive theory of prices Normal 0

    Normal 0 false false

  • Q : Income effect of a small change in wage

    The income effect of a small change within wage rate is approximately identical to the substitution consequence for Glynn at: (i) point a. (ii) point b. (ii) point c. (iv) point d. (v) point e.

    Q : Maximizing profit by hiring labor The

    The firm maximizes profit by hiring the labor at a point where labor’s: (i) Marginal physical product equal its average physical product. (ii) Marginal revenue product equivalents its marginal resource cost. (iii) Rate of exploitation is maximum. (iv) Wage rate

  • Q : Variation in demand and supply with

    It shifts within the demand for new textbooks from D0 to D1 may be a result of: (1) increased enrollments of students. (2) consumers' expectations of a future increase within the price of textbooks. (3) increased literacy rates. (4) increasingly efficient E-

  • Q : Structure conduct performance paradigm

    From about 1890 till 1970, the “structure-conduct-performance paradigm” dominated theories concerning how firms behave in various kinds of markets. The word “conduct” in this context refers to these things as: (i) decisions by

  • Q : Absolute and relative price is the

    is the price in the law of demand an absolute price or a relative price

  • Q : Problem on market boundaries The

    The market’s boundaries are stated by: (i) Legislation. (ii) The number of sellers and buyers in the market. (iii) The ease of trading among sellers and buyers. (iv) Geographical borders. Choose the right ans

  • Q : Takeaway curries-when have you had

    ‘Is the price of a product for instant consumption – similar to a takeaway curry – equivalent to its worth or advantage to a consumer?’

  • Q : Linear demand curves and elasticity

    When price falls and quantity rises along a negatively-sloped linear demand curve: (1) total revenues fall till elasticity equals zero, then this rises. (2) demand is decreasingly price elastic. (3) there is a contrad

  • Q : Process of Capitalization

    Capitalization is a process which converts: (1) natural resources into economic capital. (2) predictable income flows within wealth. (3) the opportunity cost of capital into the market interest rate. (4) financial capital into economic investment. (5)