17.2.5

Theory of Planned Behaviour

Test yourself

The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)

Ajzen (1991) developed the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) when they added a third component to the TRA.

Illustrative background for Will powerIllustrative background for Will power ?? "content

Will power

  • This third component was the concept of a person’s perceived behavioural control.
    • For example, some people may believe that they lack the will power to give up their addiction.
  • This allows for a better, more accurate, predictive power in the model.
Illustrative background for Importance of controlIllustrative background for Importance of control ?? "content

Importance of control

  • The TPB, compared to the TRA, looks at the fact that people may not always have control over their behaviour.
  • There are often obstacles that are difficult to overcome.
    • For example, in overcoming an addiction, there could be obstacles such as lack of family support or finances.
Illustrative background for __Norman et al. (1998)__Illustrative background for __Norman et al. (1998)__ ?? "content

Norman et al. (1998)

  • A study by Norman et al. (1998) discovered that binge-drinking was strongly predicted by perceived behavioural control.
  • TPB could be used to create strategies to intervene and prevent binge-drinking.
    • An example would be a programme that helps convince people that they are in control of their drinking.
Illustrative background for Indirect influenceIllustrative background for Indirect influence ?? "content

Indirect influence

  • The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) has two important components of how behaviour is influenced:
    • Indirectly - this is when a person believes that their behaviour is too hard and so they do not create the intention.
    • For example, they may believe quitting smoking is too difficult, so do not intend to quit.
Illustrative background for Direct influenceIllustrative background for Direct influence ?? "content

Direct influence

  • Directly - this is when a person has an accurate understanding of their abilities. In other words, they are correctly aware that they do not have the level of control to change their behaviour.
    • For example, a person may not have the correct amount of willpower to stop smoking, so will not succeed.

Evaluation of TRA and TPB

There are limitations to the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Illustrative background for Face validity Illustrative background for Face validity  ?? "content

Face validity

  • Overall, both models (TRA and TPB) did not take into account the difference between a person’s attitude and their behaviour.
Illustrative background for Intentions Illustrative background for Intentions  ?? "content

Intentions

  • People may have intentions, but their behaviour is not always reflective of those intentions.
Illustrative background for Causality Illustrative background for Causality  ?? "content

Causality

  • It is important to note that addictive behaviour can cause people to have irrational beliefs and behaviour.
  • TRA and TPB rely on people being able to make rational decisions.
Illustrative background for Rational thinkingIllustrative background for Rational thinking ?? "content

Rational thinking

  • People do not always act in a rational way or go through a thoughtful process of making decisions.
  • This is especially true of addicts.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson