Understanding Belief Attitude And Behavior

This book is a step-by-step guide for correctly applying Fishbein and Ajzen’s theories which together form “ . . the dominant conceptual framework for predicting, explaining, and changing human social behavior” (Ajzen, 2012). Evaluators and educational researchers, however, have often made less than optimal use of the theory of reasoned action, and the later theory of planned behavior, to understand, measure, and influence beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. This book is written expressly for investigators who are not trained in attitude theory and measurement. It provides examples from the fields of evaluation and educational research at each step, including many from the author’s applications. This book offers clear conceptual and operational definitions of belief, attitude, behavior, and other variables that are components of the theories. Figures illustrate relations among the variables. One chapter critically reviews efforts to apply the theories in evaluation and educational research, using positive and negative examples. The author has 30 years’ experience in evaluation and research, a doctorate in education, and training in attitude theory and measurement with Martin Fishbein. The author’s dissertation study was the first successful application of the theory of reasoned action to the issue of participation in adult education, and prompted others in that field to apply the theory. Praise for Understanding Beliefs, Attitude, and Behavior: "This book is invaluable for anyone interested in understanding, evaluating, and changing behaviors I in education. It presents the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior in clear and precise terms. It provides educational researchers and evaluators with the tools they need to pursue an understanding and assessment of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors." David Fetterman, President and CEO Fetterman & Associates San Jose, CA "Although student and teacher attitudes are an area of intensive study in STEM and other educational fields, many studies lack a rigorous theoretical approach. Pryor's new book offers a lucid account of the theory of reasoned action and its application to studies of attitudes, intentions, and behaviors in educational settings. The ideas have transformed my own approach to studying the impact of our STEM interventions on pre-service teacher attitudes and their future intentions for their own classroom. I think this volume is a 'must-read' or STEM education researchers and practitioners." Sharon Locke, Director Center for STEM Research, Education, and Outreach Southern Illinois University Edwardsville "Educators are often concerned with the beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of students, teachers, administrators, school board members, policy makers, or even voters. However, most educational researchers, are not trained in attitude theory and measurement. This book is written expressly for these evaluators and researchers to help them properly measure, understand, and influence attitudes. The book guides one, step by step, through Fishbein and Ajzen’s theory. With a focus on practitioners, it has many examples and figures to help people understand this theory and apply it to their work." Joe O'Reilly, Director Decision Center for Educational Excellence Arizona State University

This book is a step-by-step guide for correctly applying Fishbein and Ajzen's theories which together form " . . the dominant conceptual framework for predicting, explaining, and changing human social behavior" (Ajzen, 2012). Evaluators and educational researchers, however, have often made less than optimal use of the theory of reasoned action, and the later theory of planned behavior, to understand, measure, and influence beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. This book is written expressly for investigators who are not trained in attitude theory and measurement. It provides examples from the fields of evaluation and educational research at each step, including many from the author's applications. This book offers clear conceptual and operational definitions of belief, attitude, behavior, and other variables that are components of the theories. Figures illustrate relations among the variables. One chapter critically reviews efforts to apply the theories in evaluation and educational research, using positive and negative examples. The author has 30 years' experience in evaluation and research, a doctorate in education, and training in attitude theory and measurement with Martin Fishbein. The author's dissertation study was the first successful application of the theory of reasoned action to the issue of participation in adult education, and prompted others in that field to apply the theory.

Wolves are controversial figures worldwide and much effort has focused on how to conserve them while addressing public concerns. With its solitary habits and fruit-eating diet, the endangered maned wolf roams the South American grasslands and swamps, playing a vital part in maintaining biodiversity hotspots. Compared to the grey wolf, little is kno

The volume addresses major features in empirical social research from methodological and theoretical perspectives. Prominent researchers discuss central problems in empirical social research in a theory-driven way from political science, sociological or social-psychological points of view. These contributions focus on a renewed discussion of foundations together with innovative and open research questions or interdisciplinary research perspectives.

Attitudes are evaluations of people, places, things, and ideas. They help us to navigate through a complex world. They provide guidance for decisions about which products to buy, how to travel to work, or where to go on vacation. They color our perceptions of others. Carefully crafted interventions can change attitudes and behavior. Yet, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior are often formed and changed in casual social exchanges. The mere perception that other people favor something, say, rich people, may be sufficient to make another person favor it. People’s own actions also influence their attitudes, such that they adjust to be more supportive of the actions. People’s belief systems even change to align with and support their preferences, which at its extreme is a form of denial for which people lack awareness. These two volumes provide authoritative, critical surveys of theory and research about attitudes, beliefs, persuasion, and behavior from key authors in these areas. The first volume covers theoretical notions about attitudes, the beliefs and behaviors to which they are linked, and the degree to which they are held outside of awareness. It also discusses motivational and cultural determinants of attitudes, influences of attitudes on behavior, and communication and persuasion. The second volume covers applications to measurement, behavior prediction, and interventions in the areas of cancer, HIV, substance use, diet, and exercise, as well as in politics, intergroup relations, aggression, migrations, advertising, accounting, education, and the environment.