What is the definition of a theory?

• A. An orderly, integrated, evidence-based set of statements that describes, predicts, and explains behavior.
• B. A single guess about why people act as they do.
• C. A collection of unrelated observations.
• D. A method for testing hypotheses without prior assumptions.

Answer: (A)

A theory in psychology is an orderly, integrated, evidence-based set of statements that describes, predicts, and explains behavior. Instead of being just a hunch, it connects findings from many studies into a coherent framework, helping us understand why patterns occur and how different factors relate. A strong theory also generates testable predictions about what will happen under certain conditions, guiding research and helping researchers design studies to confirm or challenge the ideas. Because new evidence can support, refine, or revise a theory, good theories stay flexible and open to modification.

A single guess isn’t a theory; that’s a hypothesis. A collection of unrelated observations isn’t a theory either—it lacks the unified explanation that links findings together. And a method for testing hypotheses without prior assumptions describes a procedure, not the overarching framework that provides explanations and predictions.