What is a scientific theory is a theory the same as a fact?

Theory basics Facts and theories are two different things. In the scientific method, there is a clear distinction between facts, which can be observed and/or measured, and theories, which are scientists’ explanations and interpretations of the facts.

What is the main difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law?

In general, a scientific law is the description of an observed phenomenon. It doesn’t explain why the phenomenon exists or what causes it. The explanation of a phenomenon is called a scientific theory.

What is another word for scientific theory?

Synonyms

• supposition.
• historicism.
• hypothesis.
• possibility.
• conception.
• model.
• theoretical account.
• supposal.

What are the the three things that a scientific theory does?

A scientific theory is a structure suggested by these laws and is devised to explain them in a scientifically rational manner. In attempting to explain objects and events, the scientist employs (1) careful observation or experiments, (2) reports of regularities, and (3) systematic explanatory schemes (theories).

What makes a theory a scientific theory?

In modern science, a scientific theory is a tested and expanded hypothesis that explains many experiments. It fits ideas together in a framework. If anyone finds a case where all or part of a scientific theory is false, then that theory is either changed or thrown out.

What are the characteristics of a good scientific theory?

Three characteristics of a good scientific theory: testable, repeatable and stable. Must make predictions; must be falsifiable. Testability, even more than falsifiability , is probably the most fundamental aspect of science, separating it from theology, maths and philosophy.

How is a hypothesis different from scientific theory?

Scientific hypothesis. Hence, hypotheses differ fundamentally from theories; whereas the former is a specific tentative explanation and serves as the main tool by which scientists gather data, the latter is a broad general explanation that incorporates data from many different scientific investigations undertaken to explore hypotheses.

Is the best definition of a scientific theory?

A scientific theory is an explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can be repeatedly tested and verified in accordance with the scientific method, using accepted protocols of observation, measurement, and evaluation of results. Where possible, theories are tested under controlled conditions in an experiment.