Table 1.

The concepts used in urban planning fields.

Theory	Brief description
Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)	Theory of Planned Behavior explains individual behavior as resulting from intentions, which are influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (Ajzen, 1991). The theory assumes that individuals act rationally in accordance with these three determinants of behavioral intention. Recent meta-analyses have demonstrated the theory’s continued relevance across diverse behavioral domains (Hagger et al., 2024).
Random Utility Theory (RUT)	Random Utility Theory provides a statistical framework for modeling human behavior by connecting deterministic models to probabilistic outcomes (McFadden, 1973). The randomness inherent in the utility function indicates that analysts can only examine the probability of choosing one alternative over another, rather than predicting choices with certainty (Train, 2009).
Bounded Rationality Theory (BRT)	Bounded Rationality Theory posits that human rationality is limited when making decisions (Simon, 1955). Under these cognitive constraints, rational individuals select decisions that are satisfactory rather than optimal, acknowledging the practical limitations of human decision-making processes (Gigerenzer and Selten, 2001).
Prospect Theory	Prospect Theory demonstrates that individuals evaluate losses and gains differently, making decisions based on perceived gains rather than perceived losses—a phenomenon known as “loss aversion” (Kahneman and Tversky, 1979). When presented with two identical options framed differently, individuals consistently prefer the gain-framed option. Contemporary research continues to validate this theory across various domains (Mousavi et al., 2022).
Self-Determination Theory (SDT)	Self-Determination Theory examines the motivation that drives intention formation and subsequent behavior (Deci and Ryan, 2000). The theory emphasizes that individuals are motivated by universal psychological needs to improve and enhance their capabilities. A core concept is intrinsic motivation—performing actions for the inherent satisfaction derived from the activity itself (Ryan and Deci, 2017).
Theory of Interpersonal Behavior (TIB)	The Theory of Interpersonal Behavior emphasizes the role of habit, emotion, and intention in human conduct (Triandis, 1977). It maintains that individuals possess a range of needs and expectations that govern behavior in interpersonal relations, guiding how people interact, relate, and associate with others in social contexts (Triandis, 1980).
Cognitive Dissonance Theory (CDT)	Cognitive Dissonance Theory addresses the psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes (Festinger, 1957). In behavioral contexts, risk is inherently connected to concepts of threat and regret, particularly regarding negative affective experiences. Contemporary applications continue to expand the theory’s relevance (Harmon-Jones and Mills, 2019).
Collective Action Theory (CAT)	Collective Action Theory, often examined within organizational contexts and social ecological frameworks, addresses how subjective norms influence behavior (Olson, 1965). These subjective norms, analyzed through transaction cost theories, subsequently influence the formation of personal norms and collective behavior patterns (Ostrom, 1990).
Social Identity Theory (SIT)	Social Identity Theory investigates the interaction between personal and social identities in social psychology (Tajfel and Turner, 1979). The theory aims to identify and predict conditions under which individuals perceive themselves as individuals versus group members. It examines how personal and social identities affect individual perceptions and collective behavior (Turner et al., 1987).
Expected Utility Theory (EUT)	Expected Utility Theory explains decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty (von Neumann and Morgenstern, 1944). According to standard decision theory, when comparing alternative courses of action, individuals should choose the option with the greatest expected benefit. The principle of maximizing expected utility has broad applications (Savage, 1954).
Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)	The Theory of Reasoned Action identifies attitude as a fundamental determinant of behavior, influenced by emotional aspects (Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975). Attitude, along with subjective norms, forms the foundation for behavioral prediction. This theory was later extended to become the Theory of Planned Behavior through the incorporation of perceived behavioral control (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980).
Bayesian Theory	Bayesian Theory employs probabilistic analysis to understand decision-making processes (Bayes, 1763). Current research applications include conceptual models studying interactions between social power, privacy, and emotional states. The theory uses probabilistic analysis where conclusions are tied to known patterns that inform behavior (Gelman et al., 2013).
Behavioral and Cognitive Geography Theory (BCT)	Behavioral and Cognitive Geography Theory emphasizes that human–environment relationships are dynamic and bidirectional (Golledge and Stimson, 1997). Individual actions and mental states both cause and are caused by physical and social environments through ongoing, changing interactions. The theory encompasses spatial behavior and behavior in space (Kitchin and Freundschuh, 2000).
Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)	Protection Motivation Theory provides a framework for understanding responses to stimuli that individuals appraise as potential threats (Rogers, 1975). These stimuli include fear-based messages that encourage protective measures or discourage activities that may cause harm to oneself or others. The theory has been refined to include self-efficacy components (Maddux and Rogers, 1983).
Cognitive Hierarchy Theory (CHT)	Cognitive Hierarchy Theory, originating in behavioral economics, describes human thought processes in strategic games (Camerer et al., 2004). The theory includes cognitive types whose behavior ranges from random to substantively rational, with each type corresponding to the number of periods in which economic agents process new information. Empirical studies have validated the theory’s predictions (Costa-Gomes et al., 2001).
Nudge Theory (NT)	Nudge Theory focuses on how choice presentation influences decision-making outcomes (Thaler and Sunstein, 2008). The theory advocates for decision-making approaches based on people’s actual thought processes—which are often instinctive and sometimes illogical—rather than the logical and rational decision-making processes traditionally assumed. Contemporary applications include sustainability interventions (Lehner et al., 2024).
Social Ecological Model (SEM)	The Social Ecological Model considers the complex interplay between individual factors and societal relationships to understand risk and protective factors (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The model’s nested structure demonstrates how factors at one level influence factors at other levels. Effective intervention requires working across multiple levels simultaneously (McLeroy et al., 1988).
Graph Theory (GT)	Graph Theory provides a mathematical framework used in social sciences to analyze social networks (Wasserman and Faust, 1994). It offers a pictorial representation of objects (vertices) connected by relationships (edges), enabling systematic analysis of complex social structures and interactions (Newman, 2010).
Behavioral Spillover Theory (BST)	Behavioral Spillover Theory describes how engaging in one pro-environmental behavior can promote the adoption of other such behaviors (Thøgersen and Ölander, 2003). The theory examines both positive spillover (increased probability of adopting related behaviors) and negative spillover following behavioral interventions. Research continues to explore spillover effects across contexts (Nilsson et al., 2017).
Norm Activation Theory (NAT)	Norm Activation Theory explains pro-social and pro-environmental behaviors through the activation of personal norms (Schwartz, 1977). The theory proposes that norm activation begins with an individual’s awareness of potential harmful consequences and attribution of responsibility for pro-environmental behavior. The theory has been integrated into comprehensive environmental behavior models (Stern, 2000).