Thinking and Decision Making

Decision making strategies

Step-by-step plans for solving problems that involve choosing between multiple options.

Macro-scale model

A model that looks at the visible choices and factors involved in making a decision.

Micro-scale model

A model that looks at the hidden thought processes going on in someone's mind as they make a decision.

Multi-attribute problem

A decision problem where you have to consider multiple factors or attributes at the same time.

Normative models

Models that describe the ideal or perfect way of thinking and deciding. They assume you have all the information needed.

Descriptive models

Models that describe how people actually think and decide in real life, even when they don't have complete information or time.

Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)

A theory that suggests people's behavior follows their intentions, which are influenced by their attitudes and subjective norms.

Attitude (in TRA)

A person's positive or negative feelings about performing a behavior.

Subjective Norm (in TRA)

A person's perception of whether important people in their life approve or disapprove of the behavior.

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

An extension of TRA, which adds perceived behavioral control as a third factor influencing intentions and behavior.

Perceived Behavioral Control (in TPB)

A person's belief about how easy or difficult it is to perform a behavior.

Albarracin et al (2001)—TPB condom use. Aim

To examine the validity of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in predicting condom use.

Albarracin et al (2001)—TPB condom use. Research Method

Meta-analysis

Albarracin et al (2001)—TPB condom use. Participants

42 published and unpublished papers, totaling 96 data sets.

Albarracin et al (2001)—TPB condom use. Procedure

All data was combined into a single large data matrix and analyzed to fit the TPB model.

Albarracin et al (2001)—TPB condom use.Results

TPB was successful for predicting condom use. The correlation between behavior and intention was 0.51. Significant correlations were found between intention and norms, attitudes, and perceived control.

Albarracin et al (2001)—TPB condom use. Conclusion

People used condoms when they had intentions based on their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The study confirmed the predictive validity of TPB for condom use, supporting TPB and TRA.

Armitage and Conner (2001)-Aim

To identify the extent to which attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control affect behavioral intentions and behavior itself.

Armitage and Conner (2001)- Research Method

Meta-analysis

Armitage and Conner (2001)- Participants

19 studies

Armitage and Conner (2001)- Procedure

Examined the relationship between perceived behavioral control, intention, and behavior.

Armitage and Conner (2001)- Results

9 out of the 19 studies reported a significant interactive effect, where higher perceived behavioral control was associated with stronger intention-behavior relationships.

Armitage and Conner (2001)- Conclusion

The research supports the TPB's contention that attitudes, interpretation of norms, and perceived behavioral control play a role in behavioral intentions and behavior.