Theory of reasoned action

communication theory of reasoned action
Theory of reasoned action, adapted from Fishbein and Ajzen[1]

The theory of reasoned action (TRA or ToRA) aims to explain the relationship between attitudes and behaviors within human action. It is mainly used to predict how individuals will behave based on their pre-existing attitudes and behavioral intentions. An individual's decision to engage in a particular behavior is based on the outcomes the individual expects will come as a result of performing the behavior. Developed by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen in 1967, the theory derived from previous research in social psychology, persuasion models, and attitude theories. Fishbein's theories suggested a relationship between attitude and behaviors (the A–B relationship). However, critics estimated that attitude theories were not proving to be good indicators of human behavior.[citation needed] The TRA was later revised and expanded by the two theorists in the following decades to overcome any discrepancies in the A–B relationship with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and reasoned action approach (RAA). The theory is also used in communication discourse as a theory of understanding.[2]

The primary purpose of the TRA is to understand an individual's voluntary behavior by examining the underlying basic motivation to perform an action.[3] TRA states that a person's intention to perform a behavior is the main predictor of whether or not they actually perform that behavior.[4] Additionally, the normative component (i.e. social norms surrounding the act) also contributes to whether or not the person will actually perform the behavior. According to the theory, intention to perform a certain behavior precedes the actual behavior.[5] This intention is known as behavioral intention and comes as a result of a belief that performing the behavior will lead to a specific outcome. Behavioral intention is important to the theory because these intentions "are determined by attitudes to behaviors and subjective norms".[6] TRA suggests that stronger intentions lead to increased effort to perform the behavior, which also increases the likelihood for the behavior to be performed.

  1. ^ Fishbein, M. & Ajzen, I. (1975). Predicting and understanding consumer behavior: Attitude-behavior correspondence. In Ajzen, I. & Fishbein, M. (eds.). Understanding Attitudes and Predicting Social Behavior (pp. 148-172). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
  2. ^ Rogers Gillmore, Mary; Archibald, Matthew; Morrison, Diane; Wilsdon, Anthony; Wells, Elizabeth; Hoppe, Marilyn; Nahom, Deborah; Murowchick, Elise (November 2002). "Teen Sexual Behavior: Applicability of the Theory of Reasoned Action". Journal of Marriage and Family. 64 (4): 885–897. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2002.00885.x.
  3. ^ Doswell, Willa; Braxter, Betty; Cha, EunSeok; Kim, Kevin (2011). "Testing the Theory of Reasoned Action in Explaining Sexual Behavior Among African American Young Teen Girls". Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 26 (6): e45–e54. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2011.03.007. PMID 22055383.
  4. ^ Glanz, Karen; Rimer, Barbara K.; Viswanath, K. (2015-07-01). "Theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, and the integrated behavioral model". Health behavior : theory, research, and practice. Glanz, Karen,, Rimer, Barbara K.,, Viswanath, K. (Kasisomayajula) (Fifth ed.). San Francisco, CA. ISBN 978-1118629055. OCLC 904400161.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ Azjen, Icek; Madden, Thomas (1986). "Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions, and perceived behavioral control". Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 22 (5): 453–474. doi:10.1016/0022-1031(86)90045-4.
  6. ^ Colman, Andrew (January 2015). "Theory of Reasoned Action". A Dictionary of Psychology.