How is the idea of a theory best explained?

A) "Mental maps" that make sense of information and decisional processes.
B) Mental formulations of objects or events.
C) Aspects of reality that can be consciously sensed.
D) A purposeful set of assumptions that identify relationships between concepts.

Decisional Processes

The series of cognitive steps taken to evaluate information, weigh options, and make choices or solve problems.

Mental Maps

Internal representations of an individual's knowledge, perceptions, and thoughts about the physical environment or landscape around them.

Reality

The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them.