Psychological theory refers to an evidence-based idea that explains human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is a system of ideas that can explain certain aspects of human thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Psychologists develop research-based theories that explain diverse phenomena of human behavior and predict future behaviors through the scientific method of making an observation, asking a question, forming a hypothesis, conducting experimentation, doing analysis, and drawing a conclusion.

Psychology theories are not laws, but they are not hunches or guesses either. They are based upon a hypothesis and backed by evidence. Psychology researchers create these theories to make predictions for human behavior. These theories can explain certain aspects of human thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

There are different types of psychological theories, including:

• Behaviorism: This is a theory of learning that states all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment through a process called conditioning.

• Cognitive: This theory focuses on how people think, perceive, remember, and learn.

• Humanistic: This theory emphasizes the importance of personal growth, self-awareness, and self-acceptance.

• Psychodynamic: This theory emphasizes the role of unconscious thoughts and feelings in shaping behavior.

• Evolutionary: This theory focuses on how natural selection has shaped behavior and mental processes.

• Developmental: This theory aims to explain how thinking, feeling, and behavior change throughout a persons life.

Psychological theories are used to diagnose and treat those with psychological issues or disorders. Psychologists may draw from different theories to understand and explain human behavior.