Suppose a theory predicts that lowering tuition fees at Canadian universities will increase enrollment from low-income households.If empirical evidence is inconsistent with this prediction,then we
A)need to amend the theory.
B)should test the theory again.
C)should change the empirical data.
D)should increase tuition fees back to their initial level.
E)change the exogenous variables in the theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If empirical evidence is inconsistent with a theory's prediction, it means that the theory is not supported by the evidence and is therefore incorrect. Therefore, the theory needs to be amended or revised to better fit the empirical data. Testing the theory again or changing the empirical data will not fix the underlying problem with the theory. Similarly, changing the exogenous variables may not solve the issue if the core assumptions of the theory are flawed. Lastly, increasing tuition fees would be counterproductive to the original goal of increasing enrollment from low-income households.

Suppose a Theory Predicts That Lowering Tuition Fees at Canadian