Scientific Theory
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. (per Wikipedia)
Scientific theories are created through the process of the scientific method. Observation and research lead to a hypothesis, which is then tested. … Scientists continually gather evidence regarding existing scientific theories to improve their accuracy. (per Wikihow)
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The word “Theory” in science does not mean exactly what that same word means in every day conversation. In every day conversation, the expression “theory” means something similar to “a guess”, or “a hunch.” In everyday conversation the word theory refers to something is not quite known for sure.
But, when scientists call something a theory, they mean a set of ideas that does three things. A scientific theory:
- puts forward a comprehensive explanation for things we observe in nature
- provides strong evidence for that explanation
- provides ways to make predictions about the aspects of the world it explains.
7:11 Fact vs. Theory vs.Hypothesis vs. Law EXPLAINED!
5:11 What’s the difference between a scientific law and theory?
1:58 Scientific Theories and Laws