A conceptual framework within which observations are explained and new ones predicted. In its construction, a theory draws upon any existing principles and laws in a particular area of science, and then serves to generate hypotheses to test the explanations and predictions it offers, possibly with the aid of models. A hypothesis that survives rigorous testing may become a theory itself. <\/p>\n
See Explanation<\/a>, Hypothesis<\/a>, Hypothetico-deductive method<\/a>, Law<\/a>, Method<\/a>, Model<\/a>, Paradigm<\/a>, Prediction and explanation<\/a>, Principle<\/a>, Procedure<\/a>, Technique <\/p>\n <\/body><\/html><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A conceptual framework within which observations are explained and new ones predicted. In its construction, a theory draws upon any existing principles and laws in a particular area of science, and then serves to generate hypotheses to test the explanations and predictions it offers, possibly with the aid of models. A hypothesis that survives rigorous … <\/p>\n