What distinguishes a theory from a conceptual model?

A theory is characterized by its ability to explain, predict, and understand phenomena through a systematic set of principles and statements that are substantiated by evidence. Theories often encompass a broad scope and are based on rigorous testing, providing a concrete framework that can guide research and practice.

On the other hand, a conceptual model serves as a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon. It provides a visual or abstract depiction that can help in understanding complex ideas but does not necessarily offer the same level of predictive power or empirical backing as a theory. The level of abstraction is what primarily distinguishes the two; theories are more concrete and are based on extensive research, while conceptual models can be more abstract and provide an overview without detailed empirical evidence.

The other options, while they touch on interesting aspects of theories and models, do not encapsulate this foundational difference as effectively as the level of abstraction does. For instance, the complexity of terms can vary within both theories and models, and historical context could influence their development but does not define their fundamental characteristics. Application in real-world scenarios is important but does not distinctively categorize the nature of theories compared to conceptual models. Thus, the differentiation based on level of abstraction is key in understanding how each functions within the realms of knowledge and