Exam 2: Theory, Research, and Practice in Health Behavior

Which paradigm emphasizes the use of induction a sources of knowledge and posits that theory verification should be through empirical testing and systematic observation of phenomena?

Which statement best describes an ideal relationship between theory and practice?

Concepts are theories that have not yet been empirically tested beyond the original developer.

Which of the following is NOT a trend in the use and application of health behavior theory?

New theories should:

In the editors' review of articles published between 2000 and 2005, they found that among articles that that employed health theory:

The adequacy of a theory can be assessed by considering (1) internal consistency (2) extent to which it is broadly relevant while using a manageable number of concepts, and (3) its plausibility.

Based on the editors' previous research and literature reviews, which statement best articulates a concern they identify in how theories are applied?

Which of the following criteria are most often used to assess the adequacy of a theory?

The authors emphasize the dynamic interplay between theory, research, and practice. Explain the relationship between these three areas. How are they related? Why is it important for professionals involved in health behavior change to be well versed in all three areas?

Health behavior change in the past often favored pushing people to make changes, sometimes using manipulative techniques. However, a paradigm shift occurred and they now focus on reducing obstacles to change and promoting informed decision-making.

Theory, research, and practice should be conceptualized independently among professionals concerned with health behavior change in order to reduce bias and strengthen each field.

Theory is:

Theory can be useful in program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Which of the following statements best defines a construct:

New theories are commonly developed for each health behavior program implemented by public health professionals.

The dominant paradigm used in health behavior sciences is the constructivist paradigm.

Previous editions of the textbook reviewed the most often-used theories in publications related to health behavior change. The review concluded that practitioners are using fewer and fewer theories over time.

Your colleagues develop a new health behavior theory. They ask for your opinion on whether it is useful before they share it with the academic community. Name and explain three criteria you might use to assess the adequacy of their new theory.

Lewin's meta-theory stipulates rules for building a good theory. Which is NOT one of the rules?