Group Communication Theory
What is a Theory?
Defining "Theory"
Hoover straightforwardly defined a theory as "a set of inter-related propositions that suggest why events occur in the manner that they do". According to the National Academy of Sciences, a scientific theory is "a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences, and tested hypotheses". Similar definitions have been put forth by other authorities. All the definitions, however, describe theories as the product of intellectual activity and as a source of insight into interpreting phenomena.
Some theories are solid and universally accepted. Examples include the heliocentric theory and germ theory. It's assumed that these theories require no further testing or evidence to continue to be accepted.
Other more provisional theories, such as string theory in physics or self-efficacy theory in psychology, require continual exploration and testing in order to be supported and retained. Theories are never to be regarded as factual, but rather as models which conform to facts as closely as possible.