A scientific theory is different than the way we use the word theory in common speech. Which of the following describes the way the term theory is used in everyday life?

A. It explains how nature works.

B. It is supported by observation and testing.

C. It is supported by experimental results and data.

D. It is a random guess about how something happened.

D. It is a random guess about how something happened.

Explanation:

In everyday life, a theory is a hunch or a guess about how something happens (in the scientific method, we might call it a hypothesis).

A is wrong. It doesn't necessarily explain how nature works, because it hasn't been tested by experimental testing and observation.

B and C are wrong. They are features of the scientific method.