A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on
a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment
. Such fact-supported theories are not “guesses” but reliable accounts of the real world.
What makes a theory a theory?
A theory is
a carefully thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that has been constructed using the scientific method
, and which brings together many facts and hypotheses. … A scientist makes an observation of a natural phenomenon.
What are theories based off of?
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on
a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment
. Such fact-supported theories are not “guesses” but reliable accounts of the real world.
Are theories based on data?
Theory is not data, facts, typologies, taxonomies, or empirical findings. … Data, facts, and findings operate at the empirical or observational level, while theories operate at a conceptual level and are
based on logic rather than observations
. There are many benefits to using theories in research.
Are theories based on research?
The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for
your hypotheses and choice of research methods
. Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of why and how.
Can theories be disproven?
A basic principle in science is that
any law, theory, or otherwise can be disproven if new facts or evidence are presented
. If it cannot be somehow disproven by an experiment, then it is not scientific. Take, for example, the Universal Law of Gravitation.
What are examples of theories?
The definition of a theory is an idea to explain something, or a set of guiding principles.
Einstein’s ideas about relativity
are an example of the theory of relativity. The scientific principles of evolution that are used to explain human life are an example of the theory of evolution.
What are the two components of theory?
The components of theory are
concepts (ideally well defined) and principles
.
What is theory in simple words?
A theory is a
well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world
that can incorporate laws, hypotheses and facts. … A theory not only explains known facts; it also allows scientists to make predictions of what they should observe if a theory is true. Scientific theories are testable.
What is a good theory?
A good theory in the theoretical sense is
(1) consistent with empirical observations
; is (2) precise, (3) parsimonious, (4) explanatorily broad, and (5) falsifiable; and (6) promotes scientific progress (among others; Table 1.1).
Why are theories sometimes disproven?
Explain why a
single experiment can never prove or disprove
a theory. … A theory needs multiple experiments with the same results in order to be put in place, therefore in order to disprove a theory one experiment which could have been conducted incorrectly cannot disprove it. You just studied 9 terms!
Why are theories stronger than hypothesis?
A hypothesis is an educated guess that is made before research takes place. A theory is an explanation of the natural world and the universe. It explains facts that have already been proven true and is supported by data.
A theory can be repeatedly tested and verified, and if proven true, makes the theory even stronger
.
What is a theory vs hypothesis?
In scientific reasoning, a hypothesis is an assumption made before any research has been completed for the sake of testing. A theory on the other hand is
a principle set to explain phenomena already supported by data
.
What are psychological theories based on?
Cognitive theories of psychology are focused on
internal states
, such as motivation, problem-solving, decision-making, thinking, and attention. Such theories strive to explain different mental processes including how the mind processes information.
Who is a theorist?
Someone who considers given facts and comes up with a possible explanation
is called a theorist. Theorists observe various phenomena and use reasoning to come up with practical ideas that must be proven. Theorists come up with abstract ideas and then spend their lives trying to prove them.
Why do we use theories in research?
Theories are usually used to
help design a research question
, guide the selection of relevant data, interpret the data, and propose explanations of the underlying causes or influences of observed phenomena.
