The Proposition Based Theory Specification Method (PBTS): A Verbal Approach to Formalizing and Analyzing Theories in Psychology

a theory as a set of verbal propositions, (b) to connect these propositions via explicit implications (i.e., “IF propostion A, THEN proposition B” statements), (c) to define all concepts and operators contained in these propositions, and (d) to provide a broad range of valid operationalizations for each proposition. We provide step-by-step guidelines for applying PBTS to the specification and standardized analysis of existing theories, including indicators of theory reproducibility, and we describe how PBTS can be used to specify new theories. Results from two validation studies demonstrate that the methodology is feasible for specifying verbal narrative theories and yields reasonable inter-specifier agreement. By enabling to systematic analysis of verbal theories and establishing fundamental prerequisites for multiple forms of theory specification, PBTS offers a potential foundation for addressing the theory crisis in psychology.