Which of the following describes the two common types of theories?

• A. Explanatory theories describe relationships observed; predictive theories predict relationships
• B. Explanatory describes data; predictive describes ethics
• C. Explanatory predicts outcomes; predictive describes individuals
• D. Explanatory and predictive theories are unrelated

Answer: (A)

The key idea is understanding the distinction between explanatory and predictive theories. Explanatory theories describe relationships observed between variables and aim to explain why those relationships occur. Predictive theories use those relationships to forecast outcomes in new situations or populations. The statement that best fits this is that explanatory theories describe relationships observed, while predictive theories predict relationships. The other options mix up what theories describe or rely on unrelated domains, or claim the two types are unrelated, which doesn’t fit how prediction usually follows from explained relationships.