Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
06:45
Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
Comparing solutions to the expectancy-value muddle in the theory of planned behaviour
B O' Sullivan1, H McGee, O Keegan
1Department of Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. bosullivan9@yahoo.co.uk
British Journal of Health Psychology
|January 25, 2008
Summary
This study compared two methods for analyzing the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs. Using individual beliefs without multiplicative composites is recommended for clearer interpretation of TPB relationships.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Theories of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Planned Behaviour (TPB) offer frameworks for understanding behavior.
- A recommended statistical analysis method for TRA/TPB belief-based measures has shown potential for uninterpretable results.
- The 'expectancy-value muddle' refers to statistical challenges in analyzing belief-based measures in TRA/TPB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare two solutions for the 'expectancy-value muddle' in TRA/TPB analysis.
- To evaluate optimal scoring of modal beliefs versus individual beliefs without multiplicative composites.
- To determine the most statistically interpretable method for analyzing indirect and direct TRA/TPB measures.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional data collected via telephone interview.
- 110 first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients participated.
- Participants rated Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs related to CRC screening uptake.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in correlations between behavioral beliefs and attitude for modal vs. individual beliefs.
- No significant difference in correlations between control beliefs and perceived behavioural control (PBC) for modal vs. individual beliefs.
- A large correlation was found between modal normative beliefs and subjective norm, unlike individual normative beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Individual beliefs without multiplicative composites offer a more interpretable analysis of TPB constructs.
- Future studies should consider using individual measures for behavioral and control beliefs.
- Further research is needed to find optimal methods for measuring individual normative beliefs without multiplicative composites.
Related Concept Videos
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
02:06Social Exchange Theory
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
01:26Social Exchange Theory
As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
01:20Lazarus's Cognitive Appraisal Theory
Cognitive psychologist Richard Lazarus proposed the cognitive-mediational theory of emotions, which emphasizes how individuals' assessments of stressors significantly affect their experience of stress. According to Lazarus, the stress response is determined by a two-step appraisal process: primary appraisal and secondary appraisal. These cognitive appraisals help individuals evaluate the potential impact of a stressor and determine the adequacy of their coping resources.
Primary Appraisal:...
Primary Appraisal:...
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...