Theory vs. Thesis: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A theory is a system of ideas intended to explain something, based on general principles, whereas a thesis is a statement or argument for consideration, often part of academic work.
Key Differences
A theory provides an explanatory framework for phenomena, grounded in observations and experiments. A thesis, however, is a proposition or argument, usually part of academic research.
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Theories are developed through rigorous testing and evidence gathering. Theses are created as part of academic discourse, often requiring defense or substantiation.
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Theories have a broader scope, often applicable in various contexts. Theses are usually specific to a particular subject or field of study.
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Theories evolve with new evidence and perspectives. Theses, once presented and defended, remain as a record of the author's argument or findings at that time.
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Theories contribute to the general body of knowledge in a field, while theses contribute to academic discourse, often marking the culmination of a degree or study.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
General principles to explain phenomena
Statement or argument for consideration
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Development
Through testing and evidence
Through academic research and analysis
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Purpose
Explain, predict, understand phenomena
Present an argument or research findings
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Theory and Thesis Definitions
Theory
Explanation Framework
Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized physics.
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Thesis
Central Idea of a Dissertation
His thesis was on ancient Greek literature.
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Thesis
Major Paper in Higher Education
She defended her thesis to complete her Master's degree.
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Theory
Philosophical or Ideological Belief
Her political theory influenced her policies.
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Thesis
Proposition for Consideration
The artist's thesis was that beauty lies in simplicity.
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Theory
A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.
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Thesis
Statement to be Proven
His thesis argued for a new method of teaching.
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Theory
The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice
A fine musician who had never studied theory.
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Theory
A set of theorems that constitute a systematic view of a branch of mathematics.
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Theory
Abstract reasoning; speculation
A decision based on experience rather than theory.
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Thesis
A dissertation advancing an original point of view as a result of research, especially as a requirement for an academic degree.
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Theory
A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment
Staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime.
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Theory
An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.
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Theory
A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate.
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Thesis
The long or accented part of a metrical foot, especially in quantitative verse.
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Theory
(sciences) A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts new facts or phenomena not previously observed, or which sets out the laws and principles of something known or observed; a hypothesis confirmed by observation, experiment etc.
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Thesis
The unaccented or short part of a metrical foot, especially in accentual verse.
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Theory
(uncountable) The underlying principles or methods of a given technical skill, art etc., as opposed to its practice.
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Theory
(mathematics) A field of study attempting to exhaustively describe a particular class of constructs.
Knot theory classifies the mappings of a circle into 3-space.
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Theory
A set of axioms together with all statements derivable from them; or, a set of statements which are deductively closed. Equivalently, a formal language plus a set of axioms (from which can then be derived theorems). The statements may be required to all be bound (i.e., to have no free variables).
A theory is consistent if it has a model.
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Thesis
(by extension) A lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis (sense 1.1), especially one submitted in order to complete the requirements for a non-doctoral degree in the US and a doctoral degree in the UK; a dissertation.
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Theory
A doctrine, or scheme of things, which terminates in speculation or contemplation, without a view to practice; hypothesis; speculation.
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Thesis
A conjecture, especially one too vague to be formally stated or verified but useful as a working convention.
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Theory
An exposition of the general or abstract principles of any science; as, the theory of music.
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Thesis
(logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.
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Theory
The science, as distinguished from the art; as, the theory and practice of medicine.
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Thesis
(philosophy) In the dialectical method of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: the initial stage of reasoning where a formal statement of a point is developed; this is followed by antithesis and synthesis.
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Theory
The philosophical explanation of phenomena, either physical or moral; as, Lavoisier's theory of combustion; Adam Smith's theory of moral sentiments.
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Theory
A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena;
Theories can incorporate facts and laws and tested hypotheses
True in fact and theory
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Thesis
The action of lowering the hand or bringing down the foot when indicating a rhythm; hence, an accented part of a measure of music or verse indicated by this action; an ictus, a stress.
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Theory
A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
A scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
He proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
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Thesis
A depression of the voice when pronouncing a syllables of a word; hence, the unstressed part of the metrical foot of a verse upon which such a depression falls, or an unaccented musical note.
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Theory
A belief that can guide behavior;
The architect has a theory that more is less
They killed him on the theory that dead men tell no tales
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Thesis
A position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument.
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Theory
Set of Principles
The theory of evolution explains species development.
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Thesis
Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.
I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them.
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Thesis
The accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; - the opposite of arsis.
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Thesis
A treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do theories change?
Yes, theories evolve with new evidence and understanding.
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Is a theory always scientific?
No, theories can be philosophical or ideological.
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Must a thesis be original?
Yes, a thesis should present original research or argument.
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Are theories factual?
Theories are based on evidence but are open to revision.
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How long is a typical thesis?
Length varies, but they're often quite extensive.
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Who develops theories?
Theories are developed by experts or scientists in the field.
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Can theories be proven?
Theories can be supported by evidence, but not proven in absolute terms.
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Is a thesis part of a doctoral degree?
Yes, a thesis is often required for a doctoral degree.
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Can a thesis be a question?
A thesis usually presents a statement or argument, not a question.
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Are all theories universally accepted?
No, theories can be subject to debate and disagreement.
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Can a thesis be published?
Yes, many theses are published in academic journals.
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What role do theories play in science?
They are essential for understanding and explaining phenomena.
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Is there a standard format for a thesis?
Yes, most academic institutions have specific guidelines.
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Can anyone write a thesis?
Typically, theses are written by students in higher education.
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How is a theory tested?
Through experiments, observations, and peer review.
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Who evaluates a thesis?
Theses are usually evaluated by academic supervisors and committees.
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Is defending a thesis required?
Yes, in many academic programs, defense of a thesis is required.
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Can theories be disproven?
Yes, with contrary evidence or better explanations.
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What's the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?
In some regions, a thesis is for a Master's degree, a dissertation for a doctorate.
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Do theories apply to real-world situations?
Yes, many theories have practical real-world applications.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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