It has been empirically proved to be true. It has passed extensive, independent tests of its predictions. It is clearer, simpler, and more plausible than other models. It provides guidelines for Earth-science investigations that are scientifically valid.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: The plate-tectonic model has achieved the status of a scientific theory due to which property of the model?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- It has been empirically proved to be true.
- It has passed extensive, independent tests of its predictions.
- It is clearer, simpler, and more plausible than other models.
- It provides guidelines for Earth-science investigations that are scientifically valid.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

It has passed extensive, independent tests of its predictions.