theory of planned behavior
Summary
The theory of planned behavior (Ajzen) says the best direct predictor of a behavior is the intention to do it. Intention is shaped by attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Perceived control is what it adds to the theory of reasoned action.
Detail
Meaning: Developed by Icek Ajzen, this theory explains how attitudes relate to actions. The best direct predictor of a behavior is the intention to perform it. Intention is shaped by three factors: attitude toward the behavior (a positive or negative evaluation of doing it), subjective norms (perceived social pressure from important others), and perceived behavioral control (how easy or hard the person believes the behavior is). Perceived control can also affect behavior directly.
On the MCAT: A passage describes someone deciding whether to exercise or quit smoking. You identify which factor a change affects: friends' disapproval alters subjective norms, believing "I cannot afford it" lowers perceived behavioral control, and new beliefs about benefits shift attitude. You may also be asked what it adds to the theory of reasoned action: perceived behavioral control.
Common confusion: A favorable attitude does not by itself ensure the behavior. In this theory attitude acts mainly through intention, alongside norms and perceived control. Subjective norms are the person's perception of others' expectations, not the group's actual norms.
Sources
- Social Psychology (Aronson, Wilson, Akert)
- Psychology (Myers)
- Social Psychology (Myers)
Written for the MCAT and checked before it was published. For study reference only. Spotted an error? Let us know.