a theory, then, is an organized body of interrelated concepts, assumptions, and generalizations that systematically explains and predicts some phenomena. theories may range from a simple generalization to a complex set of laws, from philosophical to scientific. some theories deal with simple generalization, such as results of education polls or school surveys undertaken by state accrediting associations. such studies involve measures of the nature of some condition at a particular time. they explain what is. more well-developed theories enable us to make predictions and to control phenomena. for example, meteorologists have well-developed theories. usually they can make very accurate predictions about the occurrence of hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and other atmospheric phenomena. special education teachers work from a well-developed theory of learning (referred to as behavioral theory). consequently, they can facilitate instructional interventions that typically lead to positive changes in student behavior. other examples of well-developed theories that enable us to predict phenomena include albert einstein's theory of relativity and isaac newton's theory of universal gravitation.