Which type of theory describes a phenomenon based on rich observations of it?

Descriptive theory is focused on providing an account of a phenomenon based on thorough and rich observations. This type of theory aims to depict the nuances and complexities of the subject matter, allowing for a detailed understanding of its characteristics, behaviors, and contexts. It relies on empirical data and qualitative insights to present a comprehensive narrative of what is observed, rather than offering predictions or evaluations.

By gathering rich qualitative data, descriptive theories serve to inform readers or practitioners about the nature of a phenomenon without suggesting how it ought to be or advocating for particular changes. This sets it apart from other theoretical frameworks, such as prescriptive theories, which provide guidelines on how things should be, and critical theories, which analyze and critique social structures often to advocate for change.

Thus, the essence of descriptive theory lies in its observational nature, making it the appropriate choice for the question regarding phenomena description based on rich observations.