A Comparison of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Reasoned Action

Abstract

Research in social psychology has extensively referenced and used Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action to predict and understand motivational influences on behavior Recently Ajzen has proposed an extension of the theory by including perceptions of behavioral control as an additional predictor of intentions and behavior. The present research compared Ajzen's theory of planned behavior with the theory of reasoned action for 10 behaviors chosen to represent a range with respect to control over performing the behavior. he results indicate that inclusion of perceived behavioral control enhances the prediction of behavioral intention and behavior Consistent with the theory of planned behavior, the effects of perceived behavioral control on a target behavior are most vivid when the behavior presents some problem with respect to control.

Predicting Accounting Students’ Intentions to Engage in Software and Music Piracy

“…The dependent variable, behavioral intentions (ethical or unethical intentions) to engage in software and music piracy, was tested by asking participants to respond to three statements that were adapted from Madden et al (1992) and Chang (1998). For example, in terms of software piracy, behavioral intentions were measured using the following 7-point fully anchored scales: "I intend to make unauthorized software copies in the future"; "I will try to make unauthorized software copies in the future;" and "I will make an effort to make unauthorized software copies in the future (extremely improbable-extremely probable)".…”

“…For example, in terms of software piracy, respondents were presented with the sentence, "Overall, my attitude towards using unauthorized software copies is" and using the following semantic differentials to assess the attitudes toward the behavior: "unfavourable-favourable", "harmful-beneficial", "foolishwise", and "bad-good." The scales were adapted from Madden et al (1992) and Al-Rafee and Cronan (2006). All items in this scale were averaged to form a composite score.…”

Use of Structural Equation Modeling to Predict the Intention to Purchase Green and Sustainable Homes in Malaysia

“…The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the most popular paradigms designed for the prediction and understanding of behavioral intentions (Madden et al, 1992;Robinson, 2002;Arvola et al, 2008). TPB suggests that an individual's behavior is determined by his or her intention to engage in the given behavior (Ajzen, 1991).…”

The Measurement and Analysis of Housing Preference and Choice

“…In contrast to the theory of reasoned action (which is designed to predict behavior that is considered to be under volitional control; i.e., persons can decide whether or not to perform the behavior), the theory of planned behavior is designed to predict behavior that is not under volitional control. That is, the execution of certain types of behavior, among which mobility behavior, not only depends on a person's own motivational factors but also on factors that are beyond a person's control (Ajzen 1985(Ajzen , 1991Madden et al 1992). Whether people are able to put into effect the intention to move depends on individual resources and restrictions at the micro level, as well as housing opportunities and constraints at the macro level (compare De Jong 1994;.…”

“…As De Groot and colleagues (2008) have shown, financial resources are taken into account when people state an intention to move to another dwelling. When people believe that they have little control over fulfilling this intention because of a lack of resources or opportunities, their intentions to carry out the behavior may be low (compare Madden et al 1992). The realization of intentions to move among filterers is restricted by the household situation.…”