Within the scientific method,a theory is:

A) a narrative about the origin of some psychological trait.
B) an explanation (potentially false) that people give for their own behavior.
C) an explanation for how and why variables are related to each other.
D) a prediction about what will occur given certain specified conditions.

Scientific Method

A systematic and logical approach to discovering how things in the universe work, involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.

Psychological Trait

A characteristic way of thinking, feeling, or behaving that is consistent over time and situations and distinguishes one individual from another.

Variables

Elements, features, or factors that can change or vary within a study or experiment, potentially influencing the outcomes.