explanatory theory

any theory which advances an EXPLANATION of a phenomenon or class of phenomena. Although explanatory theories can take many forms (see also HYPOTHETICO-DEDUCTIVE EXPLANATION AND METHOD, SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY, MEANINGFUL UNDERSTANDING AND EXPLANATION, FUNCTIONAL(IST) EXPLANATION), a general assumption is made that the ‘facts’ rarely speak for themselves in explaining phenomena.

Collins Dictionary of Sociology, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2000

Mentioned in

ad hoc hypothesis
concept
explanation
scientific law
sociological theory

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