theory. A broad idea or set of closely related ideas that attempts to explain observations and to make predictions about future observations .
What is a scientific theory quizlet?
Scientific Theory. A well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations and hypotheses and that enables scientists to make accurate predictions about new situations.
What is a theory quizlet?
Theories are the sets of ideas that scientists “think with” to help them understand and give them a basis for interventions. ... Theory is a systematic collection of concepts and how they relate . It is a set of assumptions, propositions or explanations of a causal relationship.
What does the term theory mean to a scientist quizlet?
In science, the word theory refers to a comprehensive explanation of an important feature of nature supported by facts gathered over time . Theories also allow scientists to make predictions about as yet unobserved phenomena. ... The explanation of a phenomenon is called a scientific theory.
Is an idea arrived at logically from a theory?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction that is arrived at logically from a theory. It is often worded as an if-then statement (e.g., if I study all night, I will get a passing grade on the test). The hypothesis is extremely important because it bridges the gap between the realm of ideas and the real world.
What are the four goals of a theory?
So as you have learned, the four primary goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and change behavior .
Which of the following is the best definition of theory?
1 : a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena the wave theory of light. 2a : a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action her method is based on the theory that all children want to learn.
What is required before an idea becomes a scientific theory?
In other words, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hypothesis is an idea that hasn’t been proven yet. If enough evidence accumulates to support a hypothesis , it moves to the next step — known as a theory — in the scientific method and becomes accepted as a valid explanation of a phenomenon.
Which is the best definition of scientific 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 is the purpose of a scientific theory?
Scientific theories are testable and make falsifiable predictions. They describe the causes of a particular natural phenomenon and are used to explain and predict aspects of the physical universe or specific areas of inquiry (for example, electricity, chemistry, and astronomy).
How do scientists use the term theory?
In everyday use, the word “theory” often means an untested hunch, or a guess without supporting evidence. But for scientists, a theory has nearly the opposite meaning. ... A theory not only explains known facts ; it also allows scientists to make predictions of what they should observe if a theory is true.
How do scientists use theory quizlet?
Scientists use the word theory to mean a hypothesis that has been supported by many experiments ; non-scientists use the word theory to mean a hypothesis that remains to be well tested.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
The first step in the Scientific Method is to make objective observations . These observations are based on specific events that have already happened and can be verified by others as true or false. Step 2. Form a hypothesis.
Why is psychology called a science?
Psychology is a science because it follows the empirical method . ... It is this emphasis on the empirically observable that made it necessary for psychology to change its definition from the study of the mind (because the mind itself could not be directly observed) to the science of behavior.
How is the scientific method used in psychology?
Psychologists use the scientific method to conduct their research . The scientific method is a standardized way of making observations, gathering data, forming theories, testing predictions, and interpreting results. Researchers make observations in order to describe and measure behavior.
What is a controlled experiment?
: an experiment in which all the variable factors in an experimental group and a comparison control group are kept the same except for one variable factor in the experimental group that is changed or altered ...
