Practice prompt · Q:economics-and-market-foundations/separate-analysis-jobs-001

Separate description, cause, evaluation, and recommendation

Diagnose whether the learner can decompose one compressed economic assertion into distinct analytical jobs and evidence burdens.

Updated Aug 7, 2026 Review due Nov 7, 2026

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An analyst writes: “Costs fell after the rule changed, so the rule caused the improvement and should be retained.” Which response best separates the analytical jobs in that sentence?

Choose the best answer. a The sequence alone proves cause, and the lower cost automatically proves the rule should be retained. b Describe the dated cost change; test the rule's causal effect against a counterfactual; state the criterion for calling the outcome better; then compare feasible actions and authority. c Because evaluation involves values, no empirical evidence can matter to the recommendation.

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Answer: b

Choice b. Description, causal explanation, normative evaluation, and recommendation are connected but distinct analytical jobs with separate evidence and authority requirements.