Theories of planned behaviour Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is the Theory of planned behaviour
an individuals decision to engage in a particular behaviour, this can be determined by their intention to engage in said behaviour
What determines a persons intention
behavioural attitude
subjective norms
perceived behavioural control
What is ‘behavioural attitude’
a persons views towards a behaviour
- formed on the basis of their beliefs about consequences of the behaviour
What are ‘Subjective norms’
an individuals subjective awareness of social norms relating to the behaviour
- reflect what we believe others feel is the right thing to do (injunctive norm) and what other people are actually doing (descriptive norm)
What is’ perceived behavioural control’
individuals belief that they can carry out a behaviour- based on internal/external factors
- higher PBC the harder they are likely to try stop the behaviour
What are strengths of the Theory of planned behaviour
- supporting evidence (Conner et al)
- real life applications
What are limitations of the Theory of planned behaviour
- doesn’t explain actual behaviour
- over simplistic
Evaluate supporting evidence from Conner et al as a strength of the theory of planned behaviour
P: Supporting evidence
E: Investigated the role of planned behaviour in smoking initiation in 11-12 year olds. Tested 675 non-smoking adolescents with various baseline measures including TPB, 9 months later they checked whether any of the adolescents had taken up smoking. Used carbon monoxide breath monitor to assess this to avoid subjective judgement and they found that behavioural intentions were generally a good predictor of later smoking behaviour. This suggests intentions could also be a good predictor for quitting addictive behaviour.
E: The TPB is based on research that uses self-report methods of measurement. There is an argument that attitudes, norms, perceived control and intentions are subjective variables that are best assessed by asking individuals their views.
However, the limitations of self-report methods include social desirability bias.
L: Conner’s study gathered objective evidence in the way of carbon monoxide breath monitors, this particularly strengthens the theory.
Evaluate practical applications as a strength of TPB
P: Application in prevention campaigns.
E: The US Office of National Drug Control Policy launched a campaign to lower teen marijuana use. A review of this campaign attributed its success to its influence on changing behavioural attitudes. The campaign tried to create a different attitude toward the effect of marijuana use, namely that it is inconsistent with being autonomous and achieving aspirations.
E: This target on attitudes may be key to the success of the campaign
Evaluate over simplicity as a limitation of TPB
P: Too simplistic and ignores other factors.
E: Fails to take into account emotions and compulsions. When completing a questionnaire about attitude and intention people might find it impossible to anticipate strong desires that compel behaviour in real life. Also ignores influential factors such as peers. It also does not consider that the addiction might be inherited/genetically transmitted.
E: Limitation because emotions are a strong predictor of behaviour and this theory is criticised as being too rational. Model assumes that all behaviours are conscious, reasoned and planned and this may not be the case for addicts who often feel like they have no control over their behaviour.
This raises the debate of determinism in relation to addictive behaviour and whether addicts have conscious control?
Evaluate not explaining actual behaviour as a limitation of a TPB
P: Does not explain actual behaviour.
E: Cant account for the intention-behaviour gap. Cant explain how actual behaviour arises from intentions. Howell studied the gambling behaviour of underage teenagers. They found strong support for the element of the TPB that predicts intentions from attitudes, norms and perceived control. But the model did not predict the occurrence of actual gambling behaviour.
E: Many now question whether the TPB is a model of behaviour change at all.
L: If the theory cannot predict behaviour change, it becomes very difficult to create drug-related interventions that bridge the gap between intention to reduce addictive behaviours and the actual behaviours themselves. The model therefore may not have practical applications
