The main difference between Concept and Theory is that Concept is just a vague idea about something, whereas Theory is an idea that has been tried and tested.

Concept vs Theory

The concept is a vague idea about something; on the other hand, a theory is a perception or idea that has been tried and tested. The concept is a collection of ideas to explain a specific proposition, while the theory is a collection of ideas, facts or events to explain a single proposition. A concept is simply an idea and needs no explanation. Rather, the theory needs an adequate explanation to prove itself.

Since the concept is not proven by facts, it can be easily altered or changed, but a theory cannot be easily changed, since it must be shown to be wrong to modify it. A concept is a general idea about something, while a theory is evidence backed by adequate proof. You don’t need to test a concept; on the other hand, the theory needs to be tested and proven.

It is not necessary to organize a concept, while a theory is organized correctly. A concept can be a mental representation, or an abstract idea in the opposite theory is an abstract idea. A concept does not need evidence to support it, whereas the theory depends entirely on the evidence.

A concept can be a collection of ideas scattered on the other side; The theory should be compact and present a single idea. A concept can also be called a plan, while the theory is something well constructed.

Comparative chart

What is the concept?

The concept is defined as ideas or perceptions that occur in our brain and thoughts. Behind every thought and belief there is a concept. The concept plays an important role in the intellect of an individual. The concept are the building blocks of the things we see around us. The concept is studied through fields such as linguistics, psychology, sociology, and philosophy. These themes also shape one’s concept.

Concepts are mental representations. They determine the way we behave. These are the various thought patterns in our mind that cause us to behave differently with other people. They include behaviors such as thinking, wondering, accepting, denying, etc. There is a suitable subject that studies how concepts serve as precursors to interdisciplinary approaches.

The concept is of two categories; They are mental or abstract representations, that is, shown to others. This is a relationship of meaning and reference. Mental concept is something that exists in a person’s mind and cannot be shown to others, while abstract concepts can be shown. For example, if I say ‘apple’, the image that arises in the mind of the receiver may be different from the image I have. Similarly, if I say ‘apple’ and show an apple, this would be an abstract concept, as it can be seen and touched.

The concepts are of three higher categories, which are higher level and subordinate, which are lower level. For example, ‘mango tree’ is a superior or superior concept, and ‘tree’ is the basic concept called subordinate.

What is the theory?

Theory is defined as an idea that is shown to be true. The theory is something that has been proven through experimentation and is above the level of concept. It is based on rational and abstract thinking. The theory is formed after a series of steps such as observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and deduction.

By the scientific definition of theory, it is a well-confirmed type of explanation for anything that meets specific scientific criteria. The theory must be strong enough that each experiment gives the correct and expected results. The theory at a higher level forms a law. Each theory brings something new, explains the experiences of people who have never done before. A theory is a source of knowledge and helps to achieve certain objectives. Based on theories given by others, new theories are developed.

The word theory has been derived from an ancient Greek word meaning “to look or see.” This word was used to refer to knowledge about natural things and natural philosophies. English speakers use this term since the 16 ^th century; they referred to the theory as a rational explanation of general things.

A theory can also be called a collection of interconnected ideas that try to explain something. Mainly, these ideas are based on assumptions. These assumptions are then tested to form a hypothesis. The greatest example of the theory is Darwin’s theory of the origin of species. If a theory suggests something that does not exist or predicts something that is impossible to happen, then it is a false theory.

Key differences

1. The concept is a vague idea about something; on the other hand, a theory is a perception or idea that has been tried and tested.
2. The concept is a collection of ideas to explain a specific proposition, and the opposite theory is a collection of ideas, facts, or events to explain a single proposition.
3. A concept is simply an idea and needs no explanation; on the contrary, the theory needs an adequate explanation to prove itself.
4. Since the concept is not proven by facts, it can be easily altered or changed, but a theory cannot be easily changed, since it must be shown to be wrong to modify it.
5. A concept is a general idea about something, while a theory is evidence backed by adequate proof.
6. You don’t need to test a concept; on the other hand, the theory needs to be tested and proven.
7. You don’t need to organize a concept; conversely, a theory is properly organized.
8. A concept can be a mental representation or an abstract idea; on the contrary, a theory is an abstract idea.
9. A concept does not need evidence to support it; on the other hand, and the theory depends entirely on the evidence.
10. A concept can be a collection of scattered ideas; conversely, a theory must be compact and present a single idea.

Final Thought

So a concept is a vague idea about something that doesn’t need to be tested, while the theory is a compact idea that has been tried and tested.