--%>

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 Markets and Labor unions I

    I have a problem in economics on Competitive Markets-Labor unions. Please help me in the following question. The purely competitive labor markets are not characterized through: (1) Most of the individual buyers and sellers of the labor services. (2) S

  • Q : Predatory behaviour in increase price

    Predatory behavior would not comprise: (w) lowering prices. (x) expanding output. (y) rapid technological innovation. (z) raising prices. Can anybody suggest me the proper explanation for given problem regarding

  • 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 : Canada’s top three trading partners

    Name the Canada’s top three trading partners?

  • Q : Analysis deregulation caused the

    Choose the right answer of the following problem. "The government deregulated the electricity industry in California and a shortage of electricity occurred soon . It is clear that the deregulation caused the shortage." This statement requires careful analysis becau

  • Q : Purely competitive firms in increasing

    When purely competitive firms operate within increasing cost industries, several: (1) individual firms’ supply curves should be horizontal. (2) firms should experience decreasing returns to scale at low output levels. (3) specia

  • Q : Present Value and Rates of Return When

    When the annual interest rate is 12 percent and a rental house can be expected to rent perpetually for $1,000 monthly, rough computation suggests the house contain a present value of: (1) $240,000. (2) $144,000. (3) $100,000. (4) $72,000. (5) $12,000.

  • Q : Problem on Equilibrium condition

    Reduction in the size of average American family is most probable to: (i) Erode rates of the technological advancement. (ii) Raise the demand for disposable diapers. (iii) Decrease women’s labor force participation rates. (iv) Increase the contribution of family

  • Q : Increasing equality in distribution of

    Increasing equality within the distribution of income or wealth is generally related with: (1) decreases in the population’s total amount of income or wealth. (2) lower values for the Gini coefficient. (3) greater overall curvat

  • Q : Define normal goods Normal goods:

    Normal goods: Normal goods are such goods whose demand increases with the increase in income of consumer.