Smith says that criminals are rational and that they consider both the benefits and costs of criminal activity. Jones disagrees. He says criminals are irrationals and can't possibly be considering both the benefits and costs of criminal activity. If they did,he argues,they wouldn't be criminals. An economist who wants to figure out if criminals are rational,would most likely build a
A) falsifiable theory built on a rational criminal and then test the theory.
B) non-falsifiable theory built on a rational criminal and then test the theory.
C) falsifiable theory built on a rational criminal, but not test the theory.
D) non-falsifiable theory built on a rational criminal, but not test the theory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The economist would most likely build a falsifiable theory based on the assumption that criminals are rational, as this theory can be tested and either proven or falsified through empirical observation and analysis. This approach would allow the economist to gather evidence and data to support or disprove the idea that criminals are rational and consider both the benefits and costs of criminal activity. Building a non-falsifiable theory, on the other hand, would not allow for empirical testing or validation, and would therefore be less useful for answering the question at hand.

Smith Says That Criminals Are Rational and That They Consider