theorywide

Theorywide is a term used in meta-scientific discussion to describe an approach or framework that seeks to unify, compare, or apply theoretical constructs across multiple domains or subfields. A theorywide perspective aims to extract core primitives and assumptions common to different theories and to build integrative models that can explain phenomena in a broader range of contexts than any single theory can. It emphasizes cross-theory compatibility, coherence, and the testing of boundary conditions for explanatory adequacy.

The term emerged in scholarly discussions in the late 2010s and early 2020s as researchers confronted fragmentation of theoretical explanations across disciplines. It is not tied to a single founder and has been adopted in sociology, cognitive science, economics, and physics as a descriptive label for efforts to synthesize theories rather than replace them.

In practice, theorywide work typically proceeds by mapping core assumptions across competing theories, identifying overlapping primitives, and constructing meta-theoretical or integrative models. It often employs formal modeling, computational simulation, or cross-domain empirical testing to assess where different theories converge or diverge.

Applications and significance include enabling cross-disciplinary theory testing, illuminating the generalizability of explanations, guiding data collection, and fostering collaboration. Theorywide approaches are used to evaluate large-scale hypotheses, such as general mechanisms in learning, adaptation, or decision-making that recur across systems.

Critics warn that theorywide projects risk vagueness, dilution of disciplinary rigor, and overgeneralization. Operationalizing broad constructs can be challenging, and integrative claims must withstand scrutiny across domains.

Related concepts include metatheory, integrative science, cross-disciplinary theory, and model theory.