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April 27, 2026Computational Brain & Behavior0 citationsOpen Access

Is the “Theory-theory” of Understanding a Mistake? An Interactive Perspective on Knowledge and Explanation

SMSimon MyersNCNick Chater

Key Points

  • This research questions the validity of the 'theory-theory' approach to human understanding. It proposes a new perspective that emphasizes interaction over internal representation.
  • Critically evaluate existing theories of understanding in psychological science.
  • Propose an interactive model of understanding that contrasts with traditional views.
  • Highlight the limitations of the 'theory-theory' in explaining human understanding.
  • Suggest that an interactive model offers a more accurate explanation of knowledge acquisition.

Abstract

Shiffrin, Stigler, and Keil worry that science frequently falls victim to an illusion of understanding. We take their argument a step further, arguing that psychological scientists often fundamentally mischaracterize human understanding as rooted in internally represented theories of any kind. We propose an alternative, interactive notion of understanding.

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Cite This Study

Myers et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69eefc6dfede9185760d37c6https://doi.org/10.1007/s42113-026-00298-4
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