CAIE A-Level Economics 1.2.1 Economics as a Social Science

CAIE A-Level Economics 1.2.1 Economics as a Social Science
Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics 9708 syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 20282026–2028

Practise explaining why economics studies human behaviour with models and evidence while controlled laboratory experiments and perfectly stable conditions are often unavailable.

How this is tested

  • explain why controlled laboratory experiments are difficult when economic behaviour and conditions change
  • recognise that economics can still construct and test models with observed data despite this limitation

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

What is a common criticism of economics?

A

It fails to establish theories of economic behaviour.

B

It is unable to construct models of how an economy might work.

C

It lacks the ability to use and apply mathematics.

D

It is very difficult to undertake laboratory experiments in economics.