Behaviour change – module 2
What’s a theory?
A set of interrelated concepts, definitions and propositions that presents a systematic review of
events or situations by specifying relations among variables in order to explain and predict
events or situations
Top 9 list: what makes a quality theory
1. Clarity of constructs – has the case been made for the independence of constructs from
each other?
2. Clarity of relationships between constructs – are the relationships between constructs
clearly specified?
3. Measurability – is an explicit methodology for measuring the constructs given?
4. Testability – has the theory been specified in a way that it can be tested?
5. Being explanatory – has the theory been used to explain/account for a set of
observations? (statistically or logically)
6. Describing causality – has the theory been used to describe mechanisms of change?
7. Achieving parsimony – has the case for parsimony been made?
8. Have generalizations been investigated across
a. Behaviours
b. Populations
c. Contexts
9. Have an evidence base
Why use theory to guide intervention?
- Summarizes the cumulative knowledge of how to change behaviour in different
populations, behaviours and contexts
- Target meaningful determinants of change
- Understand why the intervention worked (or not)
- Tests theory
Common theories of health behaviour change
- Social cognitive theory
- Theory of planned behaviour
What’s a theory?
A set of interrelated concepts, definitions and propositions that presents a systematic review of
events or situations by specifying relations among variables in order to explain and predict
events or situations
Top 9 list: what makes a quality theory
1. Clarity of constructs – has the case been made for the independence of constructs from
each other?
2. Clarity of relationships between constructs – are the relationships between constructs
clearly specified?
3. Measurability – is an explicit methodology for measuring the constructs given?
4. Testability – has the theory been specified in a way that it can be tested?
5. Being explanatory – has the theory been used to explain/account for a set of
observations? (statistically or logically)
6. Describing causality – has the theory been used to describe mechanisms of change?
7. Achieving parsimony – has the case for parsimony been made?
8. Have generalizations been investigated across
a. Behaviours
b. Populations
c. Contexts
9. Have an evidence base
Why use theory to guide intervention?
- Summarizes the cumulative knowledge of how to change behaviour in different
populations, behaviours and contexts
- Target meaningful determinants of change
- Understand why the intervention worked (or not)
- Tests theory
Common theories of health behaviour change
- Social cognitive theory
- Theory of planned behaviour
