In Science,what Is the Relationship Among Explanations,associations,and Theories

In science,what is the relationship among explanations,associations,and theories?

A) An explanation must show how and why the thing to be understood is associated with or related to something else. Theories require covariation: when one thing (a variable) changes, the other one varies as well. Associations provide explanations for both explanations and theories.
B) They mean the same thing.
C) An explanation must show how and why the thing to be understood is associated with or related to something else. Associations require covariation: when one thing (a variable) changes, the other one varies as well. Theories provide explanations for associations.
D) Explanations and associations are explained by theories, which are observed relationships between two or more variables.
E) An explanation must show how and why the thing to be understood is associated with or related to something else. Thus, explanations and associations are the same thing. A theory is a suggested but as yet unverified explanation.