Promoting theoretical precision in emotion science

Theories are the backbone of scientific progress. Yet, many theories in the behavioural sciences - including emotion science - remain vague. To address this theory crisis, my tenure in the Theory Section of Cognition and Emotion will be dedicated to enhancing theoretical precision. To this end, I propose four complementary approaches: (1) formalising narrative theories, (2) advancing methodology, (3) engaging in consensus-building initiatives, and (4) engaging in adversarial collaborations. Senior and junior researchers may combine these approaches and enrich them through interdisciplinary work, including submissions of brief Theory Notes. By incentivizing precise theoretical contributions, emotion science can move toward theory convergence and more robust explanatory frameworks. Increasing theoretical precision will ultimately strengthen emotion science, enabling it to generate more testable, integrative, and practically valuable accounts of emotional life.