In sociology, what term is defined as a set of statements intended to explain social phenomena?

The term that refers to a set of statements intended to explain social phenomena is "theory." In sociology, a theory serves as a systematic explanation of observations related to social behavior, institutions, and structures. It is built on a foundation of empirical evidence and aims to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms or patterns that govern social interactions and societal developments.

Theories go beyond simple observations or singular explanations; they integrate various hypotheses and models to offer a broader understanding of social issues, such as inequality, social change, and group dynamics. The complexity and depth of theories allow sociologists to predict future social patterns and inform both research and practical applications in the field.

While hypotheses are specific, testable predictions derived from theories, and models are simplified representations of reality that may illustrate particular components of a theory, the term "framework" typically refers to an overarching structure that can guide research or evaluation, rather than a comprehensive explanation itself. Thus, the distinction lies in the breadth and depth of theoretical constructs compared to other terms that indicate parts or tools within the research process.