Theory

A theory is a model of a phenomenon that has the explicit ability to predict the outcome of an experiment. This model has been tested "scientifically" and has withstood the testing (it has not been shown to be wrong within a certain domain). A theory cannot be proved correct but is generally accepted to be true.

"Theories, in contrast, are conceptual frameworks that provide relatively high degrees of explanatory power and varying degrees of predictive value," (Sandoval, 2005).