Not to be confused with Activity theory.

Action theories are goal-directed theories that assume the existence of a conscious choice that is instrumental in guiding the behavior, particularly in the light of predicted outcomes.

Action theory may refer to:

• Action theory (philosophy), an area in philosophy concerned with the processes causing intentional human movement
• Action theory (sociology), a sociological theory established by the American theorist Talcott Parsons, or
• Social action, an approach to the study of social interaction outlined by the German sociologist Max Weber and taken further by G. H. Mead

It may also refer to a number of different types of social interactions and associations, including:

• Affectional action
• Instrumental action
• Traditional action
• Value-rational action
• Communicative action
• Dramaturgical action
• Group action (sociology)