Overview:
You are required to write an essay
Essay Topics
You are required to answer one of the two essay questions provided below.
- How well does the Theory of Planned Behaviourexplain pro-environmental behaviour?
The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) is a social cognitive theory that seeks to understand the psychological factors that underlie a wide range of social behaviours. In your essay, describe this theory (including all its components), define and illustrate what is meant by pro-environmental behaviour, and show how the TPB can be used to explain these behaviours in our culture, as well as helping to explain possible cultural differences in these behaviours. Then, in the body of the essay, review relevant research that has employed this theory to explain pro-environmental behaviour. Draw conclusions regarding how well the theory as a whole, and each component of the TPB, explains pro-environmental behaviour.
- How well does the Health Belief Modelexplain a selected health-related behaviour?
The Health Belief Model (HBM; e.g., Rosenstock, 1974) is a social cognitive theory that seeks to understand the psychological factors that underlie a wide range of health-related behaviours. To write this essay, select one health-risk behaviour (e.g., smoking) or one health-protective behaviour (e.g., wearing sunscreen). In your essay, describe the HBM (including all its components), and show how this model can be used to explain your chosen health-related behaviour in our culture, as well as helping to explain possible cultural differences in these behaviours. Then, in the body of the essay, review relevant research that has employed the HBM to explain your chosen behaviour. Draw conclusions regarding how well the theory as a whole, and each component of the theory, explains this behaviour.
