Many theories exist to explain the occurrence in Salem Village during the years 1691 and 1692. They range from simple adolescent misbehavior to a mass stress vent, from foolish and panicking ministers to a reaction to social instability. The variety of theories presented by historians, anthropologists, and sociologists are blended to create an example of human behavior in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible.

Julian Franklyn suggests in his book Death by Enchantment: An Examination of Ancient and Modern Witchcraft that the children knew that they were lying. He also blames the ministers who allowed the village to be controlled by the claims of the children, who were "only too glad to wield the power thus conferred upon them." Other historians and anthropologists agree with this conclusion. One by the name of Morison suggests in his work The Intellectual Life of Colonial New England that the behaviors stem from "the exhibitionism...