field theory
1. in psychology, a systematic approach describing behavior in terms of patterns of dynamic interrelationships between individuals and the psychological, social, and physical situation in which they exist. This situation is known as the field space or life space, and the dynamic interactions are conceived as forces with positive or negative valences. [proposed by Kurt Lewin]
2. in physics, the theory that forces acting at a distance between bodies not in contact do so by means of a field of force that fills the space between them. See action at a distance.