Which of the following are key components of a social theory?

Key components of a social theory fundamentally revolve around the ability to explain and interpret social phenomena. Selecting concepts, propositions, and assumptions highlights the theoretical framework's role in articulating how various elements of society interact and affect one another.

Concepts serve as the fundamental building blocks of a theory, representing the main ideas or variables that are studied within the social realm. Propositions are statements that relate these concepts, often indicating the expected relationship or causal connection between them. Assumptions provide the underlying beliefs that shape the theory and guide the investigation.

In sociology, the complexity of human behavior and societal structures necessitates a theoretical approach that not only describes but also seeks to explain the relationships and dynamics at play. Therefore, the inclusion of these elements in a social theory allows researchers to create a coherent and persuasive narrative about social behavior and structure, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of society.

The other options, while they may involve elements relevant to research or historical context, do not encapsulate the essence of social theory in the same way as concepts, propositions, and assumptions do. Statistics and data analysis relate more to the methods of testing theories rather than the theories themselves. Similarly, while tradition, culture, and historical facts are significant in understanding social contexts, they