Which answer correctly summarizes the essential elements of a scientific theory?
Answer

Descriptions of the natural world; based on many observations and data; do not explain why

Eventually become laws; based on many tests and reviews; usually do not change

Never become laws; based on strong scientific support; may change based on evidence

Predictions and descriptions; based on observation and logic; may change based on evidence

Question

Which answer correctly summarizes the essential elements of a scientific theory?
Answer
		
Descriptions of the natural world; based on many observations and data; do not explain why
		
Eventually become laws; based on many tests and reviews; usually do not change
		
Never become laws; based on strong scientific support; may change based on evidence
		
Predictions and descriptions; based on observation and logic; may change based on evidence

anonymous · Answer

A is the antithesis of science--it sounds a lot like magic and/or alchemy. B is too inflexible to not be a doctrine, and science should not be so. C notes that there are no laws. This is untrue; gravity, for all intents and purposes, is a law. Therefore, I conclude it must be D.

anonymous · Answer

Presumably, gravity is a law (whereas evolution and other valid ideas are "merely" theories) because it's an analytical statement, whereas theories are sets of laws and implications.

Also, science must change based on evidence, otherwise it stops being science and becomes a doctrine. Science is methodical and rational, and attempts to describe the real world--hence, reliance on observation and logic.