Proposed explanation for the causal mechanisms responsible for a phenomenon or a set of facts. Also see hypothesis.

[Gk. theorein, to look at] A generalization based on many observations and experiments; a verified hypothesis.

 An organized set of concepts that explains a phenomenon or set of phenomena.

Theories are well-established explanations for experimental data. To become established, the theory must experimentally tested by many different investigators. Theories usually can not be proven; a si [..]

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world Testing that theory begins Saturday night, as the Capitals take on Tampa Bay in another important contest. — Washington Post (Feb 18, 2012) [..]

1 [countable, uncountable] a formal set of ideas that is intended to explain why something happens or exists According to the theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than light. The debate is [..]

1590s, "conception, mental scheme," from Late Latin theoria (Jerome), from Greek theoria "contemplation, speculation; a looking at, viewing; a sight, show, spectacle, things looked at,& [..]

An account of what something is and/or how it works and/ or what it produces or causes to happen and/or what should be the case. Theories are points of view, human constructions. [WO97] A tentative bu [..]

explanation that has not been proven as fact.

An accepted idea used to explain nature. Theories not only explain an observed event, they can also be used to predict what will happen. Sometimes, an idea that is really a hypothesis is incorrectly c [..]

A means to organize experience. [D03355]

A scientifically verified, interrelated body of general principles, axioms, and assumptions that is used to explain and understand real world phenomena. Theories are the cornerstone of the scientific [..]

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena; & [..]

An accepted idea used to explain nature. Theories not only explain an observed event, they can also be used to predict what will happen. Sometimes, an idea that is really a hypothesis is incorrectly c [..]

n. The consensus, idea, plan, story, or set of rules that is currently being used to inform a behavior. This is a generalization and abuse of the technical meaning. "What's the theory on fix [..]

A general idea about the relationship of two or more variables.

Summary statements of general principles which explain regularly observed events.

In the context of science, a theory is a well-established explanation for scientific data. Theories typically cannot be proven, but they can become established if they are tested by several different [..]

1. a standard or body of corresponding standards which claims to explain or foretell a multitude of interrelated phenomena. 2. within the philosophy of science, a set of logically correlated explanato [..]

a managerial philosophy which tries to integrate facets of Japanese management practices into American corporate society. It stresses participative decision-making by workers, the facilitation of team [..]

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hypothesis

This is one of the most important terms in psychology, so make sure you understand it well. I'm sure you've used this term many times, but you may have been using it in a way that is differe [..]

A well-tested, usually mathematical, model of some part of science. In physics a theory usually takes the form of an equation or a group of equations, along with explanatory rules for their applicatio [..]

In its most general sense a theory describes or explains something. Often it is the answer to 'what', 'when', 'how', or 'why' questions.

Hypothesis that has substantial evidence to support it

(Gk: theoros= spectator) a supposition or system of ideas explaining something, especially one based on general principles independent of the particular things to be explained. Scientific theory is de [..]

A scientific theory is an established and experimentally verified fact or collection of facts about the world. Unlike the everyday use of the word theory, it is not an unproved idea, or just some theoretical speculation. The latter meaning of a 'theory' in science is called a hypothesis.

A set of interconnected hypotheses that leads to testable predictions.

a theory is a coherent explanation for a large number of facts and observations about the natural world. A theory is: Internally consistent & compatible with the evidence Firmly grounded in & [..]

a scientific explanation that is used to explain many different hypotheses about the same phenomenon or a closely related class of phenomena

A tested explanation of a broad segment of basic natural phenomena.

a well-substantiated scientific explanation of some broader aspect of the universe that has been repeatedly tested and supported with evidence. Transform Boundary

General statement that describes a hypothesized relationship between different phenomena or characteristics. Theories should be specific enough to be testable with a well-designed research study.

In science, a hypothesis that has been rigorously and repeatedly tested according to the scientific method and is accepted as the framework that describes, and that can be used to predict, the behavior of a certain natural phenomenon.

normal'>Set of hypotheses that explain observations.

A plausible explanation of an observed event, supported experimentally and confirmed by experiments designed to test predictions based upon the explanation.

A well-tested mathematical model of some part of science. In physics a theory usually takes the form of an equation or a group of equations, along with explanatory rules for their application. Theorie [..]

A theory is an integrated set of relationships with an established level of validity or legitimation.

X A view of organizational behavior suggesting that people hate their jobs, want to avoid responsibility, resist change, and do not care about organizational needs.

Y A view of organizational behavior suggesting that people have the desire to work, to be creative, and to take responsibility for their jobs and for the organization.

Z A form of organizational culture that values long-term employment, trust, and close personal relationships between workers and managers.

A system of orienting ideas, concepts, and relationships that provides a way of organizing the observable world.

(n) a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena(n) [..]

A general proposition or group of propositions that explain a phenomenon (Lesson 1)

a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been consistently validated through scientific observations or experiments. Geology's theory of plate tectonics is an example of a well-documented and widely accepted theory.

A systematic statement of principles involved in a subject; a formulation of apparent relationships or underlying principles of certain observed phenomena which has been verified to some degree. Often [..]

A set of propositions which summarise, organise, and explain a variety of known facts, e.g. Darwin's theory of evolution. Theories are intended to logically summarise information and to give a fr [..]

a coherent group of propositions used as principles for the explanation of some phenomenon. It is stronger than a hypothesis which is a conjecture still to be tested whereas a theory has more weight i [..]

An explanatory framework, containing a series of statements, that helps us understand why (something exists or functions in a certain manner). Theories suggest patterns, connections, and relationships that may be confirmed by new research.

Music theory is the study of how music works. If you study theory, you learn how to compose. You also learn about notation, harmony, orchestration and acoustics.

Study of how musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and structure function in a piece of music; the academic discipline for teaching and acquiring such skills.

When applied to the cinema, a philosophical or aesthetic model which seeks to explain the basic characteristics of film. Film theory examines questions regarding the nature of cinema (what is cinema?) [..]

A Theoretical Technique utilizing a group of related constructs to describe or prescribe how individuals or groups of people choose a course of action when faced with several alternatives and a variab [..]

A philosophically coherent set of propositions (for example, Utilitarianism) which attempts to provide general norms for the guidance and evaluation of moral conduct. (from Beauchamp and Childress, Pr [..]

Philosophic formulations which are basic to Psychoanalysis. Some of the conceptual theories developed were of the Libido, Repression, Regression, Transference, id, ego, Superego, Oedipus Complex, etc.

Theoretical construct used in applied Mathematics to analyze certain situations in which there is an interplay between parties that may have similar, opposed, or mixed interests. In a typical game, de [..]

A system which emphasizes that experience and Behavior contain basic patterns and relationships which cannot be reduced to simpler components; that is, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

An Interdisciplinary Study dealing with the transmission of messages or signals, or the Communication of information. Information theory does not directly deal with meaning or content, but with physic [..]

A theoretical psychoanalytical system centered around symbols of the Unconscious with the Unconscious material derived from two sources - the personal Unconscious (repressed or forgotten experiences, [..]

Concepts, definitions, and propositions applied to the study of various phenomena which pertain to Nursing and Nursing Research.

A Psychological Theory based on dimensions or categories used by a given Person in describing or explaining the Personality and Behavior of others or of himself. The basic idea is that different peopl [..]

The branch of Mathematics dealing with the purely logical properties of Probability. Its theorems underlie most statistical methods. (Last, A Dictionary of Epidemiology, 2d ed)

Conceptual system developed by Freud and his followers in which Unconscious motivations are considered to shape normal and abnormal Personality Development and Behavior.

Principles applied to the analysis and explanation of psychological or behavioral phenomena.

The theory that the Radiation and Absorption of energy take place in definite quantities called quanta (E) which vary in size and are defined by the equation E=hv in which h is Planck's constant [..]

Psychophysical technique that permits the estimation of the bias of the observer as well as detectability of the signal (i.e., stimulus) in any sensory modality. (From APA, Thesaurus of Psychological [..]

Principles, models, and laws that apply to complex interrelationships and interdependencies of sets of linked components which form a functioning whole, a system. Any system may be composed of compone [..]

This is a word that is frequently misunderstood. Let us say we have a collection of observations ('facts') about something - it preferentially absorbs certain wavelengths of light, is composed largely of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, calcium and phosphorus in certain proportions, and absorbs oxygen from the environment while releasing carbon [..]

An explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning.

In science, a set of general or abstract principles based on experimentally established relationships among events used to explain a phenomenon.

See Brief definitions

1. Management have an accurate one: The Chess Glossary Team will be bumming the dole queue sooner than they think. 2. Popular manoeuvres or sequences of moves - such as Openings, Middlegame strategies and Endgame positions - that are well documented in Chess books, explained on DVDs and so forth.

Short for RPG theory, the study of the underpinnings of roleplaying games: how we play them, what impact different design decisions have on play and a variety of other concerns. Closely associated wit [..]

Known and played variations and positions in any phase of the game. Opening theory is also known as the "book."

See scientific theory.

An accepted idea used to explain nature. Theories not only explain an observed event, they can also be used to predict what will happen. Sometimes, an idea that is really a hypothesis is incorrectly called a theory. A true scientific theory is a hypothesis that makes predictions. Those predictions have been tested and have proven to be accurate.

an explanation of something based on analysis of available facts and observations. thermals

A scientifically verified, interrelated body of general principles, axioms, and assumptions that is used to explain and understand real world phenomena. Theories are the cornerstone of the scientific [..]

1. A set of ideas put forward to explain something. 2. The principal or something rather than its practice. 3. In theory what should have happened.

A general term that refers to a set of scientific laws, rules, and explanations supported by a large body of experimental and observational evidence, all leading to robust, internally consistent conclusions.