In many cases, planning and anticipation are part of our way of life. We tend to navigate different situations based on assumptions and thoughts that command our actions. It is clear that there is a more than interesting link between thoughts and actions: how many times have we reached a conclusion on a topic that has led us to act in a certain way? We can think of many examples that demonstrate these qualities.
If you are interested in everything you are reading, the data that we will discuss here may be useful to you. You probably feel identified since human beings usually predict certain events that could occur in the future. Do you want to know more about this? In this Psychology-Online article, we will provide you with information about what is the theory of reasoned action and examples.
What is the theory of reasoned action
We can define the theory of reasoned action as a model developed by Icek Ajzen and Martin Fishbein based on the prediction of human behaviors from the study of attitudes, beliefs and intentions. In other words, the theory of reasoned action emphasizes the person’s emotions and behaviors in order to anticipate and/or predict the actions that he or she can take in the future based on information on these topics.
Characteristics of the theory of reasoned action
In order to address the topic in greater depth, it becomes necessary to define the particularities that this concept entails. In this way, we will explain the characteristics of the theory of reasoned action based on different aspects:
- References: takes as reference, beliefs, behaviors and evaluation of people
Attitudes, beliefs, evaluations and behaviors are related to each other. - Parameters: behavior can be explained through indicators that account for measurable parameters of people with respect to their qualities
- Prediction: allows predicting future behaviors taking into account the person’s intentions.
Examples of the theory of reasoned action
Sometimes, thinking about the theory of reasoned action can be difficult considering that attitudes, beliefs, and evaluations are abstract parameters that vary from person to person. For this reason, we will talk about these aspects through some examples that demonstrate this concept:
Example #1 of the theory of reasoned action
A young man who has recently graduated from a university degree tries to get a job in a company. Given the job demand that this company has, he receives many applications from different people who want to get the position.
In this case, the young person’s attitudes may be influenced by beliefs that There are greater chances of getting a job if you have a university degree. In this way, this person’s intentions will be guided according to this pretext.
Example #2 of the theory of reasoned action
A man begins to do physical activity on a weekly basis in order to improve his physical condition to conquer women. How would the theory of reasoned action explain it? Well, this attitude may be related to the belief that Women are more attracted to men with marked muscles who have a low percentage of body fat.
And, therefore, this idea can give rise to a series of personal evaluations about physical health, as well as the emergence of emotions linked to happiness when muscle gain is obtained.
It is important to note that the examples cited do not reflect any truth considered by a society, but rather diverse conceptions that develop over time due to the influence of the media and the ideals that are imposed at all times. of the life.
New contributions to the theory of reasoned action
The theory of reasoned action has some points that are important to consider to understand how it works. Because of this, we will carry out an analysis of the new contributions to the theory of reasoned action:
Implementation intentions or putting into practice
This development has been carried out by Peter Gollwitzer, who has said that future behaviors can be predicted in a better way when there is an action plan that determines the moments in which they will be carried out. In other words, it consists of establish a sequence in time for the behaviors to be carried out.
Theory of planned action
This point emphasizes the control of manifested behavior. In other words, the theory of planned action attempts to place the difficulty in performing a behavior in each person. This new contribution was developed by the authors Ajzen and Madden in order to add another element of importance when determining human behavior.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
Bibliography
- Reyes Rodríguez, L. (2007). The theory of reasoned action: implications for the study of attitudes. Pedagogical University of Durango, Mexico.
- Stefani, D. (1993). Theory of reasoned action: an application to the problem of geriatric hospitalization. Latin American Journal of Psychology, 25 (2), 205-223.