Taskforce Theoretical Psychology

In the last decade, psychology has lived through the replication crisis and various pushes for reform. This development started with the call for open science, preregistration, and reporting standards, followed by the call for improved and robust measurement practices. While the resulting reforms have been effective in improving empirical research practices, it has become increasingly apparent that the problems in psychological science are deeply related to the lack of clear theories and best practices that can guide their cumulative development. Scientific theories organize knowledge: They propose mechanisms that explain sets of empirical phenomena, and understanding these mechanisms allows us to identify effective interventions (e.g., treatments). Recognizing the need for theories to improve psychological science, the last years have seen many calls for better practices in theory construction, development, and assessment. Suggestions have been made for dedicated theory development methodology, theoretical modeling, and the assessment of psychological explanations.

So far, however, these suggestions have had only a limited impact on theory development in psychological research. Researchers who would like to develop better theories still lack critical support, such as dedicated journals, (under)graduate education, and institutional policy (e.g., recognition and reward for theory development). The proposed workshop aims to address this lack of infrastructure and resources. Such resources would be essential to achieve meaningful and sustainable improvements in psychological theory development (and social science theories in general). Without them, we run the risk that the current momentum behind improving theory development will not translate into lasting improvements in scientific practice. We believe that the necessary technological infrastructure is available and that the field’s interest has reached a critical mass to make a successful push for institutionalized theoretical psychology: (A) formats and outlets for theoretical publications, (B) theory education in academia, and (C) inter-university policy on theory development.

To initiate this push,  this workshop will gather a diverse group—experts from academic fields with strong theoretical traditions, researchers who have experience with different approaches to theory construction in psychology, educators, and policymakers—to work on the first steps toward creating a mature subfield of theoretical psychology. The workshop will be considered a success if we succeed in producing a white paper that outlines the following:

1. an article or report format for theoretical papers that fits psychological science in particular and the social sciences in general;
2. a plan and schedule for introducing theoretical Psychology in Bachelor and Master curricula at least in Dutch universities, but preferably independently of country or type of institution; and
3. the formation of a “taskforce” that will dedicate itself to the promotion and institutionalization of theoretical psychology.