This paper explores the theory of plannedbehavior (TPB) by reviewing a journal article that modeled this theory and by applying TPB to the activities of American soldiers at the Abu Gharib prison in Iraq.
Abstract This paper presents a review of a journal article that modeled the theory of plannedbehavior and used an experiment-related exercise to show the facets of the theory. Also, the paper uses a very public example that was presented in the media to show the applicability of the theory of plannedbehavior to explain human behavior. The example chosen was the activities of American soldiers at the Abu Gharib prison in Iraq. The paper concludes with an interpersonal example that is linked to the major hypothesis of the theory of plannedbehavior.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Journal Article Analyzed: Modeling the Theory of PlannedBehavior and Past Behavior Mass Media Example of the Theory of PlannedBehavior: Abu Ghraib Prison Behavior Personal Interpersonal Example of the Theory of PlannedBehavior
From the Paper "According to Stannard, Zimbardo's study showed that prisons are an institution that are designed to change the psychological make-up of the occupants; what is not clear, is how it affects other occupants, that are their by choice, most notably the guards. Stannard uses Zimbardo's study to state that prisons present an environment where the power differential is so uneven that it presents an environment for abuse, which is prisoners are powerless, while, guards have complete control and complete power."
Abstract This paper explains the basic assumptions underlying Ajzen's theory of plannedbehavior and its objectives. The paper asserts that, while the theory is a well-constructed explanation of human behavior with significant strengths, it also has weaknesses, beginning with the premise upon which it is based. Finally, the paper looks at how the theory of plannedbehavior can be used successfully in the nursing profession.
From the Paper "The theory of planned behavior (TPB) rests on two assumptions: that humans are rational beings and as such make use of information to guide their actions and; that individuals determine the implications of future actions before engaging in them. The objectives of TPB are not only to explain behavior but also to predict and modify it. It states that intent is the most important determinant of one's actions. Intention is comprised of an individual's attitude toward a particular situation and its corresponding environmental pressures, called subjective norms. A third antecedent to action, labeled perceived behavioral control, is one's estimation of the ease or difficulty involved in carrying out a particular task. TPB claims that positive attitudes and subjective norms along with greater perceived control increase the likelihood of one's intention to act."
Abstract This paper presents a review of the article "Does the theory of plannedbehavior elements mediate the relationship between perceived constraints and intention to participate in physical activities? A study among older individuals" by A. Konstantinos, B. Vasilis, and T. Charalampos. The paper focuses on how the article effectively uses qualitative research to understand a particular aspect of human development within an empirical human development study. The paper also attempts to determine whether the article was conducted within the necessary specific criteria for qualitative research. The paper concludes that the article seems to have followed the necessary specific requirements, although certain elements remain somewhat questionable.
From the Paper "The results of the model showed that given the facets of the TPB, participants' behavior and attitude towards exercise was significantly correlated with the actual amount of exercise undertaken. The predictive aspect of the TPB was also validated by the participants who were contacted after the initial study. Overall, this conclusion was validated by triangulating the data, since the human development experiment was to test a very well known theory - theory of planned behavior, and the authors validated this result with other known experiments and the original empirical construct. The literature review conducted was comprehensive and gave a clear picture of what this particular article was adding to the literature, however, the necessary use of different sources, methods, and investigations was rather comprehensive."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts three different theories in behavioral science organizations and models, and the strengths and weaknesses of each model. It produces examples of the models in practice and the impact of technology on organizations.
From the Paper "Alternatives to the rational bureaucratic model of organizations have been developed in recent years. Many of these systems have moved well beyond Fordism an organizational system characterized by ..."
An analysis of J. B. Watson's theory of Behaviorism which studies the overt, observable, and measurable aspects of human activity hoping to control and predict behavior.
Abstract The paper explains the theory of Behaviorism and explains that by taking thoughts, feelings, and sensations out of consideration, Behaviorists do not provide complete results from their experiments, as all possible explanations have not been explored. The paper also concludes that when results are taken and applied to society, overgeneralizations may take place. The paper provides an example of this overgeneralization by presenting and analyzing the Little Albert study done with R. Rayner in 1920.
From the Paper "In the twentieth century, a new school of thought emerged. John B. Watson's Behaviourism is a structured and limiting system of psychology that dismisses subject matter that cannot be tested empirically or operationally. This strictness presented by Watson rejected the conscious mind creating a narrow point of view, which in turn led to the overgeneralization of results."
Abstract The paper shows that there are a number of different views of the meaning of rape, its causes and other issues of importance. Different theorists and analysts have offered their view of the meaning of this act, the reason why this type of violence seems necessary to some people, the effect of rape on the victim, and the view taken of these matters by society. The paper explains that criminologists take different views of the causes of rape based on different theories of behavior. It examines two such theories - The 'Social Learning Theory' as set forth by a number of theorists, among them Ronald Akers and 'Radical Feminist Theory', which combines a feminist perspective on society with ideas about what causes human behavior. In terms of rape, this means male behavior. The paper shows that in some ways, both theories address rape from a perspective involving learned behavior and would try to solve the problem by substituting a different learning structure. It explains that where Akers and the Radical Feminists differ is in their definitions of rape and so in terms of the behavior they are explaining.
From the Paper "Akers (1998) states that his General Theory "is applicable to all types of criminal and deviant behavior, from minor violations of social norms to the most serious and organized criminal activities" (Akers, 1998, xx). He offers a chapter on rape and sexual aggression in which he calls such crimes "sexual access," and describes the crime in terms of non-consensual sexual intercourse. This brings him into conflict with some feminists on the subject, such as Rozee (1994), who states that "limiting definitions of rape to only non-consensual sexual intercourse ignores some of the most violent and obviously non-sex-related cases of rape that occur, such as penetration with objects" (Rozee, 1994, 500). It would also exclude male victims, victims who are underage, wives, and the non-forcible rape of an incapacitated victim, which Rozee would not exclude."
Tags: 'Social, Learning, Theory, Radical, Feminist, Theory
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the theories of existentialism and how they fit into modern philosophy. The paper discusses the various proponents of existentialism and their theories. The paper then discusses the theory of behaviorism, and Skinner's theory of Neo-behaviorism. The paper explains Skinner's research and theories, showing how they differ from existentialist theories in that they claim that human beings do not fully control all of their behaviors.
From the Paper "It must be remembered that over the hundreds and thousands of years from the beginning of the existence of man, Western philosophy has become more and more abstract, and also become quite removed and distant from the real lives of human beings. This fact is especially evident in the quest for answers to questions like the true nature of knowledge, the nature of truth, and so on, the real person or the real human beings have been relegated to the background and, in the high philosophical theories, there is no room today for the real people of this world anymore. This is the reason that existentialist theory focuses on real people, and states that all human beings must be given independence, a choice, etc., and that one must be able to make one's own choices in one's own life, and therefore take up responsibility for the choices that one has made out of his own free will. (What is Existentialism? History of existentialism, Existentialist Philosophy)"
An examination of individuals and theories of Ivan Pavlov, John Locke, John Watson and Burrhus Frederic Skinner and their impact on the theory of behaviorism.
Abstract This paper discusses and defines the theory of behaviorism and how it relates to present day therapy. The paper examines many historical scientists' theories and ideas which provided the needed information so that behaviorism could be born. It also explains how John Watson is considered the founder of behaviorism even though the theory has been documented back to the times of Aristotle. The historical roots of behaviorism and present day uses are also examined in this paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Behaviorism History of Behaviorism John Watson: Behaviorism Ivan Pavlov: Classical Conditioning
John Locke: Tabula Rasa
B.F. Skinner: Operant Conditioning
Aristotle
Current Use
From the Paper "Throughout history, many scholars have theorized that environment plays an important role in defining the outcome of an individual. Aristotle first hypothesized that the mind of or psyche of a person existed because of external factors. Other theorist expounded on this premise until John Watson made it a focus of his studies of behavior. Behaviorism projects that individuals are products of their experiences and have become who they are because of conditioning. John Watson, who is credited with Behaviorism made the comment that he could take twelve healthy infants and take any one of them and mold them into any given occupation regardless of genetics, race, talents and/or abilities. Watson believed that all "healthy" individuals are the same at birth but are only differentiated by the specific stimuli in their own experiences throughout their lives."
Abstract The theories discussed in this paper represent most of the spectrum of materialist (i.e. non-mentalist) thought about human society. The paper contrasts the work of BF Skinner, Marvin Harris, and Edward Wilson in behaviorism, functionalism, and sociobiology, respectively.
Abstract This paper examines the case of Richard Speck, a convicted murderer of eight women in the United State. At Speck's trial his attorney claimed that a new theory of behavioral causality with an identifiable chromosomal abnormality represented by the XYY configuration corresponded to specific behavioral traits that predisposed individuals to violent and antisocial behavior. The author of the paper examines evidence for and against this theory in the light of Speck's childhood, research and an autopsy performed on Speck's body after he died in 1991.
Outline:
Background and History
XYY Supermale Analysis
Social Biology Analysis
References
From the Paper "Critics of the XYY theory of criminal conduct suggest that even if XYY corresponds to higher statistical likelihood of certain types of antisocial behavior, it is not substantially different from other components of naturally evolved human behaviors. In other primate species, including those most closely related to homo sapiens, male dominance is expressed through patterns of behavior that would be considered, in human terms, criminal. According to that view, even XYY-based behavioral patterns still lie within the spectrum of normal human tendencies and that it is not particularly surprising that prisons house individuals who share behavioral traits consistent with criminal behavior (The Hastings Center 1980)."
Abstract This essay is a basic introduction to the fundamental components of a sociological theory. Included is a comprehensive analysis of both conflict theory and symbolic interactionism. Gang behavior is used to illustrate key terms and concepts from each theory, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
From the Paper "Theories serve several functions in the development and evaluation of scientific knowledge. Theories provide us with systematic procedures to evaluate social phenomenon. These procedures are well organized and comprehensive. Theories are not just knowledge structures; they are sets of interrelated statements that apply to a wide range of phenomenon. Chafetz said, "in theory construction, the exercise is only more systematic, comprehensive, more guided and constrained by rules, and finally is more self-conscience" (Chafetz, p. 2). "
Abstract This paper presents a history of B.F. Skinner's theory of behaviorism. The paper then contrasts Skinner's theory with Freud's theory and combines it with the interpersonal model to explain adolescent development.
From the Paper "The following research paper presents B.F. Skinner and the history of his behavior theory. Skinner's theory is contrasted with Freud's theory and combined with the interpersonal model to explain the development of adolescents and personality Skinner's theory is then applied to the mental health nursing field. Findings are applied to a black male child."
Abstract This paper discusses behaviorism, behavior modification and behavior therapy. The author explains how behavior modification and behavior therapy each alludes to different aspects of behaviorism and describes how these psychoanalytic approaches came to assimilate into clinical practices in the United States. Psychologists such as Ivan P. Pavlov and Edward Thorndike are mentioned with regards to their works and theories on behaviorism. The paper also discusses the views of B.F Skinner, who believed that the environment shapes peoples behaviors.
From the Paper "Behaviorism was born in the 1950s and early 1960s as a response to the psychoanalytic approach. The terms behavior modification and behavior therapy have become ingrained into American lexicon; however, each term alludes to a different aspect of behaviorism. Behavior modification refers to the systematic approach of assessment, evaluation, and vicissitudes of quantifiable behaviors. Behavior therapy is the grander instrument in which behavior modification is fostered and applied."
Abstract The paper focuses on the psychologists Skinner and Thorndike and their theories of behaviorism. The paper discusses these widely discussed psychologists and their research of animals that was directly correlated to the minds of humans. The paper explains that this research was in great debate for many years. The paper discusses their beginnings in the field, their theories and the criticism of their findings.
From the Paper "The ideas that revolved around the theories of behavior began with the research of the Russian scientist, Pavlov. Pavlov discovered that animals would begin to salivate when food was being brought to their cages and through experiments with the animals found that it was not the food that caused this occurrence. The dogs had become accustomed to the sounds associated with being fed and therefore, they salivated in a response to the stimuli surrounding the event, not the event itself. From this theoretical beginning the concepts of both B.F. Skinner and Edward L. Thorndike were born. Both psychologists wrote extensively about the aspects surrounding behavior, and both developed ideas that became considerably controversial throughout psychological history."
