Which statement best defines a theory?

Which statement best defines a theory?

• A. A hypothesis that can be tested with a single data point.
• B. A hypothesized general principle that explains known findings about a topic and from which new hypotheses can be generated; theories have typically been well-substantiated by repeated testing.
• C. A method for collecting data.
• D. A type of correlation coefficient.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that a theory is a broad, testable general principle that explains known findings about a topic and from which new hypotheses can be generated; theories have typically been well-substantiated by repeated testing. A theory acts as an overarching framework that ties together diverse results and makes predictions, so multiple studies and replications add up to support it. It isn’t a guess or a single observation, and it isn’t a data collection method or a specific statistical measure. A single data point cannot establish a theory, because reliable theories require consistent evidence gathered across many studies. The correct statement captures the essence of a theory as a well-supported explanatory system from which testable predictions emerge, strengthened by repeated testing.

The idea being tested is that a theory is a broad, testable general principle that explains known findings about a topic and from which new hypotheses can be generated; theories have typically been well-substantiated by repeated testing. A theory acts as an overarching framework that ties together diverse results and makes predictions, so multiple studies and replications add up to support it. It isn’t a guess or a single observation, and it isn’t a data collection method or a specific statistical measure. A single data point cannot establish a theory, because reliable theories require consistent evidence gathered across many studies. The correct statement captures the essence of a theory as a well-supported explanatory system from which testable predictions emerge, strengthened by repeated testing.