Workshop “Theory construction”

DATE: January 15, 2027

LANGUAGE: English

DURATION: 9.00 - 17.00

LOCATION: TBA

Abstract
“There is nothing as practical as a good theory”—this famous quote, often attributed to Kurt Lewin (1943), is more relevant than ever for psychology and social science. After all, the current replication crisis may be, at least partly, the result of inadequate theorizing (e.g., Oberauer & Lewandowsky, 2019). Moreover, theory development as a method plays only a minor role in many psychology, behavioral, and social science programs, especially when compared to empirical methods.

Against this backdrop, the workshop aims to convey the fundamentals, challenges, and methods involved in the conception and development of empirically testable theories. We will begin with a brief introduction to the basic concepts, structure, and quality criteria of theories. We will then address the specific challenges of psychological theory-building and present practical strategies and procedures for the conception and further development of theories based on a process model known as the “derivation chain.” Finally, we will introduce current methodological innovations in theory development—in particular, nonconfirmatory research practices and formalization—and discuss their added value.

All PhD students interested in the development and refinement of theories—whether as part of a stand-alone theory project or as a foundation for theory-building empirical studies—are warmly welcome.