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A theory is an abstract or systematic explanation of some phenomenon or subject matter. It is more substantial than a conjecture or hypothesis, but may not yet be verified as factual. <ref>For example, this 2004 NY Times article on string theory [http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/07/science/07stri.html?ei=5090&en=fd15a74e2dca3af0&ex=1260075600&partner=rssuserland&pagewanted=all&position=] </ref>

A theory is an abstract or systematic explanation of some phenomenon or subject matter. A scientific theory is more substantial than a conjecture or hypothesis, but may not yet be verified as consistent with empirical data. <ref>For example, this 2004 NY Times article on string theory [http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/07/science/07stri.html?ei=5090&en=fd15a74e2dca3af0&ex=1260075600&partner=rssuserland&pagewanted=all&position=] </ref> Generally accepted scientific theories have been tested and survived over time, have evolved when appropriate, and modified toward consistency with newly discovered data, have not been shown to be false and can make predictions about natural phenomena. <ref>http://www.thefreedictionary.com/theory </ref>

The term theory is often used outside of science, such as in music theory, number theory, or Marxist theory.

The term theory is often used outside of science, such as in music theory, number theory, or Marxist theory. These usages and (less rigorous ones) ought not to be confused or interchanged with the scientific usage.<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/theory Note: American Heritage Dictionary, meaning 1 vs. meanings 2, 4, 5 and 6</ref>

==Scientific Theory==

==Scientific Theory==

A scientific theory is a model or framework for describing the behavior of a related set of natural or social phenomena. A theory is a plausible or consistent explanation; it becomes scientific when it is subjected to empirical scrutiny. {{fact}} A Scientific Theory must be falsifiable, meaning that there must be some way to do observations that might disprove the theory.  

A theory is a plausible and consistent explanation for observable phenomena. A scientific theory is a model or framework for describing a related set of natural or social behaviors or observations. A scientific theory must be falsifiable, meaning that there must be some way to do experiments that counter the theory's predictions, thus disproving the current theory.  

A scientific theory does not necessarily have to have strong experimental support or accepted by the scientific community. {{fact}} Scientists often refer to untested theories and competing theories. {{fact}} Theories can be extremely well-confirmed, such as conservation of energy, or wildly speculative, such as [[String Theory]]. However some scientists want the name of the idea String Theory to be changed as it does not fit with the scientific meaning of the word. <ref>http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg18825285.400-mind-your-scientific-language.html</ref>

A scientific theory does not necessarily have to have strong experimental support or accepted by the scientific community. {{fact}} Scientists often refer to untested theories and competing theories. {{fact}} Theories can be extremely well-confirmed, such as conservation of energy, or speculative, such as [[String Theory]]. However some scientists want the name of the idea String Theory to be changed as it does not fit with the scientific meaning of the word. <ref>http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg18825285.400-mind-your-scientific-language.html</ref>

The [[Theory of Evolution]] includes [[microevolution]] (change in allele frequency over time),

The [[Theory of Evolution]] includes [[microevolution]] (change in allele frequency over time),