Which of the following best differentiates an economic theory from an economic model?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restated: Which of the following best differentiates an economic theory from an economic model?

Option A: 'A theory relies on diagrams and equations, while a model is expressed only in words.' This is misleading. Theories are often expressed with general concepts and may be supported by equations, but models frequently use diagrams and quantitative relationships; the distinction here incorrectly assigns diagrammatic focus to theories and restricts models to words.

Option B: 'A theory is a general explanation of an economic phenomenon, and a model is a tool used to illustrate and test that theory.' This captures the standard distinction: theories provide broad explanations or frameworks, while models are simplified representations used to illustrate, simulate, or test aspects of those theories, often using assumptions, variables, and sometimes quantitative expressions. This aligns with how economists separate the conceptual from the applied/testing device.

Option C: 'A theory is based on empirical data, whereas a model is based on assumptions.' While theories can be informed by data, they are not defined solely by empirical grounding, and models are indeed built on assumptions to simplify reality. However, this framing is imprecise and could mislead into thinking theories require data as a defining feature and that models are merely assumption-driven renditions, which is incomplete.

Option D: 'A theory is a specific, testable representation, while a model is a broader, abstract set of principles.' This reverses the typical roles: a theory tends to be the broad, general explanation, not just a specific, testable representation, whereas a model is the concrete, often testable construct used to simulate or operationalize aspects of the theory. Therefore, this option confuses the scope and purpose of theories versus models.

Summary: Assessing the options, Option B accurately distinguishes a theory as a general explanatory framework and a model as a practical, testable representation used to illustrate and evaluate that theory. The other options misstate or confuse the core roles and characteristics of theories and models, leading to inaccurate distinctions.

Which of the following best differentiates an economic theory from an economic model?

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