Which of the following descriptions is true in the context of defining 'theory'?

AAn organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon ✓ Correct

BA single fact that needs no explanation

CA random guess with no supporting evidence

DSomething that is always contradictory to related generalizations

Correct answer: (A) An organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon

Explanation

A theory is an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon.

A single fact that needs no explanation is not a theory.

A random guess with no supporting evidence is a mere conjecture, not a theory.

Something always contradictory to related generalizations does not describe a theory.

A theory both explains observed facts and predicts new ones.

It is built from interrelated propositions tested against evidence.

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