Question

which step would occur first in the development of a theory? a conceptual framework is developed. an idea is proposed to explain a specific phenomenon. key concepts are identified. a hypothesis is tested.

Explanation:

To determine the first step in theory development, we analyze each option:

• Developing a conceptual framework (first option) comes after having an initial idea.
• Proposing an idea to explain a phenomenon (second option) is the starting point, as theories begin with an attempt to explain something.
• Identifying key concepts (third option) happens after an initial idea is formed.
• Testing a hypothesis (fourth option) is a later step in the scientific method, after the idea and framework are developed.

So the first step is proposing an idea to explain a specific phenomenon.

Answer:

B. An idea is proposed to explain a specific phenomenon.