Lidia gives a talk at a psychology conference in which she presents her new theory about the causes of autism. At one point, an audience member interrupts and says "but that's just your theory." What is the problem with this statement?

A) A theory is not the same thing as an opinion or belief.
B) If Lidia is presenting the theory at a psychology conference it must be true.
C) If most of the psychologists in the audience agree with Lidia, then the theory is likely to be true.
D) The audience member should have used the term hypothesis, not theory.

Answer: A
Rationale: Theories are not the same thing as opinions or beliefs, which is implied by the audience member's critique. The validity of a theory is measured by scientific testing, not by who believes in it, or where it is presented.