Theory of Reasoned Action/ Theory of Planned Behavior Notes

Question 1

Who developed the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 1

The TRA was developed by Azjen and Fishbein in 1980.

Question 2

What is the main predictor of behavior change according to the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 2

Intention is considered the greatest predictor of behavior change.

Question 3

What factors impact behavior change in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 3

Beliefs about behaviors (attitudes) and social influences (subjective norms) impact behavior change.

Question 3

How do social costs affect behavior according to the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 3

Social costs can strongly impact behavior as individuals may struggle to go against societal or social norms.

Question 4

What does the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) focus on?

Answer 4

The TRA focuses on rational, cognitive decision-making procedures.

Question 5

What are the three main constructs of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 5

1. Attitudes
2. Subjective Norms
3. Intention

Question 6

What does the construct “Attitudes” refer to in TRA?

Answer 6

Attitudes in TRA are centered on beliefs about the behavior and the evaluation of the outcome, categorizing it as good or bad.

Question 7

How are “Subjective Norms” defined in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 7

Subjective Norms refer to the influence of strongly valued people’s opinions and the motivation to comply with those opinions.

Question 8

What is the main construct and endpoint to behavior change in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 8

Intention is the main construct and endpoint to behavior change.

Question 9

Why must a specific behavior be defined when applying TRA?

Answer 9

A specific behavior must be defined to accurately apply TRA, as it helps in targeting the change

Question 10

What elements does the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) not take into account?

Answer 10

TRA does not take into account elements of fear or irrational thought.

Question 11

What is typically considered a “behavior” in the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 11

A behavior in TRA is usually a single action performed by an individual that is observable.

Question 12

What does TACT stand for in defining behavior within the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)?

Answer 12

TACT stands for Target, Action, Context, and Time.

Question 13

Provide an example of how TACT can be applied to the behavior of condom use.

Answer 13

Target: Preventing sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies
Action: Using a condom
Context: During sexual intercourse
Time: Every time sexual intercourse occurs

Question 14

How do value-expectancy theories view decision-making in relation to health behaviors?

Answer 14

They view decision-making as rational, where individuals make decisions based on a logical evaluation of outcomes.

Question 15

What is a key assumption of value-expectancy theories regarding people’s control over health behaviors?

Answer 15

Value-expectancy theories assume that people have agency (control) over their health behaviors.

Question 16

How can value-expectancy theories be applied to health behavior change?

Answer 16

They involve potentially modifiable behaviors, which can be addressed through education and intervention.

Question 17

Why are perceptions considered paramount in value-expectancy theories?

Answer 17

Perceptions influence how individuals evaluate behaviors and make decisions based on their expected outcomes.

Question 18

What does Behavioral Intention measure in the TRA?

Answer 18

Behavioral Intention measures the perceived likelihood of performing a behavior, and is a predictor of actual behavior.

Question 19

How is Behavioral Intention measured in the TRA?

Answer 19

It is measured on a bipolar scale from extremely improbable (–3) to extremely probable (+3).

Question 20

What factors influence Behavioral Intention in the TRA?

Answer 20

Behavioral Intention is influenced by attitude toward the behavior and subjective norms.

Question 21

What is the primary addition in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) compared to the TRA?

Answer 21

The TPB includes the Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) construct, which accounts for factors outside the individual’s control.

Question 22

What is Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) in the TPB?

Answer 22

PBC refers to an individual’s perception of their ability to control the outcome of a behavior, including control beliefs and perceived power.

Question 23

What are Control Beliefs in the TPB?

Answer 23

Control Beliefs are the perceived likelihood of occurrence of each facilitating or constraining condition that might make performing a behavior easier or more difficult.

Question 24

How is Control Beliefs measured in the TPB?

Answer 24

It is measured on a scale from unlikely (–3) to likely (+3), reflecting the perceived ease or difficulty of performing a behavior.

Question 25

What does Perceived Power refer to in the TPB?

Answer 25

Perceived Power refers to the amount of power a person believes they have over performing the behavior in various conditions.

Question 26

How does Perceived Power affect behavior in the TPB?

Answer 26

It affects the perception of how easy or difficult it is to perform a behavior under different conditions identified in control beliefs.