Characteristics of a theory

Answer 1

1- Self-consistency

There should be no contradictions between various parts of the theory.

2- Consistency with experimental and observational evidence

Successful confrontation with valid data is fundamental.

3- Testability/Falsifiability

An experiment can be devised to test the theory's predictions. A possible outcome of the test is failure.

4- Consistency with other valid theories

The new theory must agree with pre-existing accepted other theories, or explain (in a satisfactory manner) why the latter should be modified or rejected.

5- Adaptability

The theory's framework must be able to accommodate new data and be improved upon, if necessary.

6- Parsimony

There are no unnecessary assumption or superfluous hypothesis.

Answer 2

A theory is a body of assumptions validated by experiment and observation that have been validated numerous times by multiple scientists (or research times), and this theory must explain why a natural phenomena acts in the way that it does. Essentially, a theory is a well defined and accepted as true explanation of law.

Example: Light is affected by gravity (Law) because of General Relativity (Theory.)

A hypothesis, however, is simply a proposed explanation for a law. It either lacks completeness or validation, but follows the same processes that a theory must follow.

Answer 3

Being able to use explanations from the natural world, to make useful predictions.