Suppose that a particular theory predicts that on sunny days consumption of ice cream will rise and that on cloudy days consumption of ice cream will fall. If an economist tests this theory and finds that over a six- month period the theory predicts accurately, the economist would likely say
A)the evidence fails to reject the theory.
B)the theory has been proven correct.
C)the theory is always reliable.
D)that the theory is not useful because consumption involves irrational human behaviour.
E)the theory shouldn't be taken seriously.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The evidence does not disprove the theory, but it doesn't necessarily prove it either. The economist would say that the theory has not been rejected based on the evidence collected during the six-month period. This is the most cautious conclusion to draw from the evidence.

Suppose That a Particular Theory Predicts That on Sunny Days