The basic purpose of the other-things-equal assumption is to
A) allow one to reason about the relationship between variables X and Y without the intrusion of variable Z.
B) allow one to focus upon micro variables by ignoring macro variables.
C) allow one to focus upon macro variables by ignoring micro variables.
D) determine whether X causes Y or vice versa.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The other-things-equal assumption, also known as ceteris paribus, allows one to isolate and examine the relationship between two variables (X and Y) by holding all other potential influencing factors (Z) constant. This allows for the identification of the causal relationship between X and Y, which may not be possible if other variables are not controlled for.

The Basic Purpose of the Other-Things-Equal Assumption Is to