| Using concepts from the assigned readings, define what a theory is. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary theory is “a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.” The goal of a theory builds upon a hypothesis and backed by evidence. A theory presents a concept or idea that is debatable (Cherry, 2016). Describe how you can know if a theory is valid. Validity is “the characteristic of a deductive argument requiring the truth of the conclusion if the truth of the premises is accepted” (Mosser, 2013). To test if a theory is valid one must first ensure the premises are all true, if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be correct. A deductive argument should always be valid and sound. Offer one example of how a personal belief may differ from a theory. Note: Do not use the same example that one of your classmates has used in a previous post. A belief is a claim that is held to be true regardless of evidence. An example of how a personal belief may differ from a theory could be how the world was created. One theory of how the world came to be is the Big Bang theory, which is supported by mathematical theories and models and involves science. My personal belief comes from my religion; I believe God created the earth not the Big Bang theory.
Cherry, K. (2016). What Exactly Is a Theory in Psychology? Retrieved March 29, 2017, from https://www.verywell.com/what-is-a-theory-2795970 Mosser, K. (2013). Ethics and Social Responsibility. (2nd). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc | 
