The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) proposes that behavioral intention, which is the best predictor of actual behavior, is influenced by three factors: attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. More favorable attitudes, more positive social pressure, and greater perceived control over the behavior strengthens one's intention to perform that behavior. While intention predicts behavior, other factors can still interfere with actually performing the intended behavior. The TPB is useful for marketers and health researchers to predict behaviors and develop strategies. Some critics argue the subjective norm component needs improvement or that the three factors should interact rather than be separate models.
2. Icek Ajzen first came up with this theory as an extension of the theory of reasoned action. This guy
3. The TPB is…… the notion of the behavioral intention; a person’s intention of performing a given behavior is the best predictor of whether or not the person will actually perform the behavior. It is based on the premise that the best predictor of an actual behavior is the behavior a person actually intends to do.
4. There are three models used in the theory Attitude toward the specific act or behavior The normative component, our belief about what valued others expect us to do Perceived behavior control, which is the degree to which a person can control the behavior
5. This chart shows how the three models relate and end up influencing intentions and behaviors
6. TPB suggest that more favorable attitudes toward specific act, more favorable subjective norms, and greater perceived behavioral control strengthen the intention to perform the behavior.
7. This basically states that if there is a more favorable attitude towards as a behavior, it is accepted socially, and the person has more control over that specific behavior, they are more likely to perform that behavior. Such as joining in a cheer at a football game, even if you aren’t necessarily a huge fan or a loud person.
8. However….. There can always be obstacles that keep someone from performing a behavior. You could “have the best intentions” to finish your project two weeks in advance, but then you have extra work hours, a birthday party, or other things that prevent you from actually dong that.
9. Who Uses it??? Mass Comm. Interpersonal You! Marketers and Public Relations use this to predict marketing strategies or how the public will react to changes in business.
11. It has been highly influential in explaining attitude-intention-behavior relations. This theory has been very effective in predicting health-related behaviors, such as smoking, exercise, safe sex, etc. Researchers have been able to predict how people will react to these things or change their lifestyle, which helps in finding ways to improve health.
12. However….. Some critics have doubted the accuracy and sufficiency of the subjective norm component of the model. There have also been arguments among critics that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior should interact with each other instead of functioning as three separate models.
13. Presenter’s choice The development of the TPB as an extension of the Theory of Reasoned Action is a good example of new theories emerging from expanding existing theories and adding new information to the world of communication.