| Theory | A set of assumptions about the causes for behavior and the rules that specify how the causes operate. A theory is subjected to empirical test and retained, modified, or rejected.
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| Empirical question | A question that can be answered through objective observation.
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| Operational definition | A definition of a variable in terms of the operations used to measure it.
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| Scientific theory | A theory that goes beyond simple hypothesis, deals with verifiable phenomena, and is highly ordered and structured.
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| Law | A relationship that has been substantially verified through empirical test.
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| Model | Specific application of a general theoretical view. The term model is sometimes used as a synonym for theory.
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| Mechanistic explanation | An explanation for a phenomenon given in terms of a mechanism that is assumed to produce it through an explicit chain of cause and effect.
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| Functional explanation | An explanation for a phenomenon given in terms of its function, that is, what it accomplishes.
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| Quantitative theory | A theory in which terms are expressed mathematically rather than verbally.
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| Qualitative theory | A theory in which terms are expressed verbally rather than mathematically.
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| Descriptive theory | A theory that simply describes the relationship among variables without attempting to explain the relationship.
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| Analogical theory | A theory that explains a relationship through analogy to a well-understood theory.
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| Fundamental theory | A theory that proposes a new structure or underlying process to explain how variables and constants relate.
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| Domain | The range of situations to which a theory applies. Also called the scope of a theory.
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| Confirmational strategy | A strategy for testing a theory that involves finding evidence that confirms the predictions made by the theory.
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| Disconfirmational strategy | A method of testing a theory that involves conducting research to provide evidence that disconfirms that predictions made by the theory.
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