Question 1

The higher the cost of talking on a cell phone in public (in terms of being perceived by others as rude)the less likely one is to do so.

Accepted Answer

This statement suggests that social norms and perceptions influence behavior. Therefore, if talking on a cell phone in public is perceived as rude, people are less likely to do so due to social pressure to conform to accepted social norms.

Question 2

For economic imperialists,economics is more of a method of analysis than a specific field of study.

Accepted Answer

Economic imperialists view economics not just as a specific field of study, but as a broader method of analysis that can be applied to various areas, including politics, sociology, and psychology.

Question 3

There is a direct relationship between the opportunity cost of bad behavior in a public venue and the use of bad behavior in that venue.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

A theory is a perfect description of reality.

Accepted Answer

A theory is a simplified and abstract representation of reality that attempts to explain observable phenomena. While it may be a good approximation of reality, it is not a perfect description and is subject to revision based on new observations and discoveries.

Question 5

One theory discussed in the textbook is that there is a direct relationship between the opportunity cost of having children and the number of children a woman will have.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One theory discussed in the textbook is...

Question 6

In general,in a given rich country the ______________ the opportunity cost for a woman of having and raising a child,the _____________ children she will have.

Accepted Answer

The opportunity cost refers to what is foregone by choosing one option over another. In this context, if the opportunity cost for a woman of having and raising a child is higher (due to factors like career opportunities, education, etc.), she is likely to have fewer children. Conversely, if the opportunity cost is lower, she might opt to have more children. Therefore, both A and D are correct, making E the correct choice.

Question 7

Theories should be judged based upon how

Accepted Answer

Theories should be evaluated based on how well they explain things and how consistently and accurately they predict. These are the two most important criteria for determining the quality of a theory. Factors like the fame of the economist making the prediction or the amount of media attention a theory receives are not relevant to the theory's validity or usefulness. Therefore, the best answer is E because it includes both criteria that are most important.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is false?

Accepted Answer

A theory should not be judged based on whether or not it tells us the things we want to hear. Rather, a theory should be judged based on its ability to explain and predict natural phenomena, and whether or not it can be supported or refuted by empirical evidence.

Question 9

Those who say that economics is becoming an increasingly imperialist social science are suggesting that economics is

Accepted Answer

The term "imperialist" is used here to describe the expansion of economics into other fields of study, such as history, anthropology, and sociology. This suggests that economics is becoming dominant or seeking to extend its influence beyond its traditional boundaries.

Question 10

Which of the following theories is not falsifiable or refutable?

Accepted Answer

The theory in option A is not based on empirical evidence and cannot be tested or proven false. It is a statement of belief rather than a scientific theory. The other options are based on empirical evidence and can be tested and potentially refuted.

Question 11

A person tends to be ______________ likely to lose her temper with a boss than with a friend because the opportunity cost of losing her temper with her boss tends to be _____________ than the opportunity cost of losing her temper with her friend.

Accepted Answer

The opportunity cost of losing one's temper with a boss is higher than the opportunity cost of losing one's temper with a friend because the repercussions could potentially be more severe, such as losing one's job, damaging professional reputation, or straining important relationships. Therefore, a person would be less likely to lose their temper with a boss than with a friend.

Question 12

If a theory gives a scientist results that she does not want,then she should not believe in that theory.

Accepted Answer

A scientist shouldn't discard a theory simply because it doesn't align with their desired outcome or beliefs. Instead, they should further investigate and analyze the results to determine the accuracy and validity of the theory. Science is based on empirical evidence and objective analysis, not personal beliefs.

Question 13

Scientists prefer to advance irrefutable theories,rather than refutable theories.

Accepted Answer

Scientists prefer to advance refutable theories because the ability to potentially falsify a theory through empirical evidence is a cornerstone of the scientific method. This allows for the testing and improvement of scientific understanding.

Question 14

Theories should be judged based upon how consistently and precisely they predict and how well they explain things.

Accepted Answer

Theories are judged based on how accurately and consistently they make predictions, and how well they explain observed phenomena. The more precise and accurate the predictions, and the more comprehensive the explanation, the stronger the theory.

Question 15

The _________________ the opportunity cost of bad behavior,the _________________ likely one is to exhibit bad behavior.

Accepted Answer

The correct answers are A) higher; less and B) lower; more. This is because opportunity cost refers to the benefits one foregoes by choosing one alternative over another. Thus, if the opportunity cost of bad behavior is high, individuals are less likely to engage in it because they are giving up more valuable alternatives. Conversely, if the opportunity cost is low, individuals are more likely to exhibit bad behavior since they are not forgoing significant benefits.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The motivation to try to explain something is essential for building a theory. Theories are based on observations and attempts to explain those observations. A theory is essentially an attempt to create a plausible explanation for observed phenomena.

B is incorrect because discomfort or disagreement does not invalidate a theory. Many theories have caused controversy or discomfort in their time and can still be valid.

C is incorrect because no theory can ever be a perfect description of reality. All theories are simplifications or models of complex phenomena and can be improved or refined over time.

D is incorrect because building a theory is the process of creating and formulating an explanation, while evaluating a theory involves testing and refining it based on observations and evidence.

Question 17

If a theory can predict those things that you should observe if it is right and can also predict those things that you should observe if it is wrong,it is said to have the virtue of falsifiability.

Accepted Answer

Falsifiability is a key criterion in scientific theories where a theory can be tested by experiments and observations which are designed to refute it. If a theory can be tested, and specifically can be falsified, it satisfies the criterion of falsifiability.

Question 18

Scientists are interested in finding out when their theories are wrong,as well as when their theories are right.

Accepted Answer

Scientists strive to challenge and test their own theories, hypotheses and experimental results in order to gain a better understanding of the natural world. By identifying when a theory is wrong or incomplete, they can refine and modify it to improve its accuracy and usefulness.

Question 19

To an economist,it is preferable to

Accepted Answer

Building a theory based on a rational criminal and then checking the evidence is preferable for an economist because it allows for a more realistic and accurate model of criminal behavior. Assuming that all criminals are either rational or irrational can lead to oversimplification and inaccuracy in economic analysis.

Question 20

There is no difference between building a theory and evaluating a theory.

Accepted Answer

Building a theory involves constructing a model or framework to explain a particular phenomenon or set of phenomena, while evaluating a theory involves assessing the validity and accuracy of that model or framework based on empirical evidence and analysis. Building and evaluating a theory are two distinct processes, each with their own set of challenges, approaches, and objectives.

Quiz 20: International Trade