Someone Notices That Sunspot Activity Is High Just Prior to Recessions

question 162

Multiple Choice

Someone notices that sunspot activity is high just prior to recessions and concludes that sunspots cause recessions. This person has

• A) confused association and causation.
• B) misunderstood the ceteris paribus assumption.
• C) used normative economics to answer a positive question.
• D) built an untestable model.

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Definitions:

Frustrations

are feelings of dissatisfaction and discomfort arising from obstacles that prevent one from achieving goals or satisfying needs.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.

Performance

The execution and completion of tasks or actions, often measured against preset standards of accuracy, speed, and efficiency.

Winter Showcase

An event, often in the arts, where talents or projects are displayed during the winter season.