Final answer:
The correct answer is option (b) A conceptual framework for organizing knowledge and providing a blueprint for action . A theory in science is a comprehensive and well-supported explanation for natural phenomena, which has been verified through extensive testing. Unlike the common use of the term to mean guesswork, a scientific theory is a substantive and validated construct.
Step-by-step explanation:
A theory is a comprehensive explanation of observed phenomena that has been repeatedly tested and supported by a significant body of evidence. In science, a theory is not a mere speculation or guess; it is a well-established framework that explains important aspects of the natural world. Scientific theories also enable predictions about new, as yet unobserved phenomena.
The United States National Academy of Sciences defines a theory as a scientific explanation so well-founded that new evidence is unlikely to significantly alter it. This highlights that in science, theories are the bedrock of our understanding of nature.
It's crucial to distinguish between the general use of the word 'theory' in everyday language—often used synonymously with 'hypothesis' or 'speculation'—and its scientific meaning. In the realm of science, theories have undergone rigorous testing and verification, far beyond the less developed hypotheses or educated guesses.