APS

2026 APS Annual Convention

How to Formalise Psychological Theories: Methods, Models, and Obstacles

Friday, May 29, 2026 · Barcelona, Spain

Oral · How We Know: Methods, Measurement & Open Science

This symposium focuses on developing formal psychological theories. It begins with an example—a formal, applied generative model of emotion dynamics—and then continues with three methodological talks that provide roadmaps for theory development. Each speaker concludes by reflecting on challenges and future directions in formal and computational modelling.

Chairs & Discussants

  • Don RobinaughChair
    Northeastern University

Presentations

  1. Towards a Generative Model of Emotion Dynamics Jonas Haslbeck
  2. Toward a Psychologist’s Guide to Computational Modeling: An Interdisciplinary Scoping Review of Methods for Mechanistic Model ConstructionJill de Ron
  3. a Theory Construction Methodology for Network Theories In Psychology Adam Finnemann
  4. Path Asymmetry In Complex Dynamic Systems of PsychopathologyShirley Wang