Which of the following would be classified as a scientific theory? (1 point)

• a description of a natural phenomenon that is widely observed
• an explanation of how a natural phenomenon works
• an idea about an observation made under a specific set of conditions
• a testable statement used to guide an investigation

1 answer

A scientific theory is best classified as an explanation of how a natural phenomenon works. Scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations based on a body of evidence and are used to explain and predict various aspects of the natural world.