Which statement about scientific theory is true?

Which statement about scientific theory is true?

• A. It is an explanation that is well supported by data.
• B. It is a guess that may be proven wrong.
• C. It is a description of a natural event that occurs exactly once.
• D. It describes a natural law.

Answer: (A)

In science, a theory is a well-supported explanation that brings together a wide range of observations and experiments. It explains how and why phenomena occur and, because it’s backed by substantial evidence, it can be used to make testable predictions. That’s why the statement that a theory is an explanation well supported by data is true. It’s not just a guess and it’s not limited to a single event or observation. It’s also distinct from a natural law, which describes consistent patterns or relationships but doesn’t explain why those patterns occur.

In science, a theory is a well-supported explanation that brings together a wide range of observations and experiments. It explains how and why phenomena occur and, because it’s backed by substantial evidence, it can be used to make testable predictions. That’s why the statement that a theory is an explanation well supported by data is true. It’s not just a guess and it’s not limited to a single event or observation. It’s also distinct from a natural law, which describes consistent patterns or relationships but doesn’t explain why those patterns occur.