What Is the "Omitted Variable" Problem in Determining Cause and Effect

question 212

Multiple Choice

What is the "omitted variable" problem in determining cause and effect?

• A)It is a problem that arises when an insignificant variable is given too much weight in an economic analysis leading to skewed conclusions about cause and effect.
• B)It is a problem that arises when a significant variable is not given enough weight in an economic experiment leading to skewed conclusions about cause and effect.
• C)It is a problem that arises when an insignificant economic variable that should have been omitted is included in an economic experiment leading to false conclusions about cause and effect.
• D)It is a problem that arises when an economic variable that affects other variables is omitted from an analysis and its omission leads to false conclusions about cause and effect.

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Definitions:

Assets

Resources owned by a company from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity.

Balance Sheet

A financial statement that reports a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity at a specific point in time, providing a basis for computing rates of return and evaluating its capital structure.

Owner's Capital

The amount of equity a business owner has in the firm, representing the owner's personal investment plus any profits retained in the business.

Internal Control

Practices and procedures deployed by a company to verify the honesty of its financial and accounting figures, enhance responsibility, and eliminate swindling.