Theory and fact

A theory is a plausible explanation about social phenomenon or a class of social phenomena, logically constructed and systematically organised that underscores the relationship between two well defined variables. It is more that a hypothesis or speculation reasoning but far from a scientific law, that is supported by evidence. a theory is thus contrasted with a fact, law and practice. A fact is a n empirical, verifiable observation whereas a theory is a systematized statement of relationship between facts. A theory can not be derived from empirical observation and generalization merely by means of rigorous induction. A theory is a symbolic construction and theory is matter of creative achievement. Theory is a broad explanation for a wide range of phenomena. Theories are concise, coherent, systematic, predictive, and broadly applicable. They usually integrate many individual hypotheses. A scientific theory must be testable with evidence from the natural world. If a theory can't be tested with experimental results, observation, or some other means, then it is not a scientific theory.

References

• Abraham, M. Francis (2006). Contemporary Sociology: An Introduction to Concepts and Theories. New Delhi: Oxford University Press
•  Berkeley Glossary