What is the purpose of a scientific theory?

The purpose of a scientific theory is to explain phenomena based on repeated observations and experiments. Scientific theories are developed through extensive research and data collection, allowing scientists to create models that describe how certain aspects of the natural world work. These theories must effectively account for a wide range of observations and evidence, and they are subject to testing and revision as new data becomes available.

In contrast to other concepts, such as hypotheses, which are preliminary ideas that require testing, a scientific theory has undergone significant scrutiny and validation over time. It represents a comprehensive framework that helps scientists make predictions and understand complex systems. This distinguishes theories from other options, which imply absoluteness or a lack of flexibility that is not characteristic of scientific inquiry.