What Is a Theory?











A Theory of Theory

What is a Theory? A theory is an explanation of an abstract concept or it is derived from results, facts, and evidence. A theory is an idea that explains a behavior, a pattern, or a principal. This description of theory may fit for a scientific theory. But theory changes its meaning and definition depending on its context and audience. A scientific theory is based on hypothesis and backed up by facts and evidence. A theory analyzing the behavioral patterns and predicting and identifying the future behavior can be called a psychological theory. A conspiracy theory is based on speculations, rumors, and predictions based on past events. A philosopher might describe theory as an idea that empowers a phenomenon that's not measurable. Today, a theory is also an abstract idea that's not concrete or practical. Instead of using physical material or instruments, theories use critical thinking and language to convey a meaning or a message that is often times not quantifiable by practical applications.

Any complex concept or data must be broken down into a simple idea that can be visualized by one’s perception in order for a simple human being to understand it. A theory creates a bridge between the information that is known and the abstract idea such that it can be visualized with our imagination. It put the idea into the perspective with the tangible world that we know and understand. It is important to study theory because many ideas are hindered by facts and evidence. It limits our visibility to the area by convincing us that we know all there is to know about it. Critical thinking, curiosity, and imagination that take us into the deep realms of understanding that are often hindered by these facts create theory. Studying theory can lead us to the understanding