Theory & Model Reference (Working List)
This page is a working reference list of theories and models used in psychology, behavioral science, organizational studies, and technology adoption research. It is not exhaustive, not authoritative, and inclusion does not imply endorsement, validation, or empirical support. Names and categories are provided for convenience only and may overlap.
Eight Foundational Models of UTAUT (Venkatesh et al., 2003):
Technology acceptance model (TAM), Theory of reasoned action (TRA), Theory of planned behavior (TPB), Combined TAM–TPB (C-TAM-TPB), Motivational model (MM), Model of PC utilization (MPCU), Innovation diffusion theory (IDT), and Social cognitive theory (SCT).
Technology acceptance model (TAM), Theory of reasoned action (TRA), Theory of planned behavior (TPB), Combined TAM–TPB (C-TAM-TPB), Motivational model (MM), Model of PC utilization (MPCU), Innovation diffusion theory (IDT), and Social cognitive theory (SCT).
Technology Adoption & Information Systems Models
- Technology acceptance model (TAM)
- Technology acceptance model 2 (TAM2)
- Technology acceptance model 3 (TAM3)
- Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)
- Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2)
- Theory of reasoned action (TRA)
- Theory of planned behavior (TPB)
- Combined TAM–TPB model (C-TAM-TPB)
- Motivational model (MM)
- Model of PC utilization (MPCU)
- DeLone and McLean IS success model
- Diffusion of innovations theory
- Innovation diffusion theory (IDT)
- Hedonic-motivation system adoption model (HMSAM)
- Multi-motive information systems continuance model (MISC)
- Process virtualization theory
- Organizational information processing theory
- Absorptive capacity theory
- Dynamic capabilities
- Knowledge-based theory of the firm
- Resource-based view of the firm
- International information systems theory
- Internationalization theory
- Management fashion theory
Behavioral, Decision & Cognitive Theories
- Behavioral decision theory
- Cognitive dissonance theory
- Cognitive fit theory
- Cognitive load theory
- Illusion of control
- Information processing theory
- Expectation–confirmation theory
- Prospect theory
- Goal contagion theory
- Flow theory
- Garbage can theory
- General strain theory
- Chaos theory
Social, Identity & Influence Theories
- Social cognitive theory
- Social exchange theory
- Social identity theory
- Social influence theory (Kelman)
- Social capital theory
- Social comparison theory
- Social bond theory
- Socioemotional selectivity theory
- Actor–network theory
- Boundary object theory
- Institutional theory
- Organizational culture theory
- Organizational learning theory
- Organizational knowledge creation
Motivation, Self & Attitude Theories
- Equity theory
- Protection motivation theory
- Self-efficacy theory
- Keller’s motivational model
- Feminism theory
- Impression managem
Disclaimer: This reference list is intended for informational and exploratory purposes. It is not an authoritative or exhaustive catalog, nor does it imply endorsement, empirical validation, or disciplinary consensus. Theories and models are presented as they appear in academic and practitioner literature, and their relevance or applicability may vary by context. Users should verify details with primary scholarly sources.