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

Question 1

Theory is:

A) A set of related concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena
B) Used to specify relationships among variables to explain and predict events
C) A framework for developing interventions to achieve behavior change
D) The basis for a conceptual map for deciding what to measure in research studies
E) All of the above

Answer 1

All of the above

Question 2

Which of the following statements best defines a construct:

A) Operationalized components of a particular theory
B) Systematic view of events that specifies relations among variables
C) A model of health behavior change that integrates multiple theories
D) Theories that apply to a specific problem, audience, and context
E) General guidelines for action

Answer 2

Operationalized components of a particular theory

Question 3

New theories should:

A) Provide an explanation for phenomena unexplained by prior theories
B) Work exclusively in controlled settings
C) Explain all factors influencing the majority of health behaviors
D) Prove other theories wrong
E) Generate income for the developers

Answer 3

Provide an explanation for phenomena unexplained by prior theories

Question 4

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?

A) Constructivist
B) Post-modern
C) Logical empiricism
D) Feminist
E) Positivism

Question 5

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

A) Mathematical representation of the constructs and variables
B) The need for testing in a controlled setting
C) Analysis of the situation as a whole
D) A dynamic approach
E) Contemporaneity

Question 6

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

A) Use of models that integrate multiple levels of influence
B) Shift away from using techniques that push or pressure individuals to modify behavior
C) Use of smaller number of theories than in previous decades
D) Shift towards reducing obstacles to promote behavior change
E) Shift towards increasing informed decision making to modify behavior

Question 7

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

A) Internal consistency, parsimony, and plausibility
B) Simplicity, longevity, and number of constructs
C) Similarities to alternative theories, plausibility, and simplicity
D) Longevity, level of influence, and cost
E) Application to research, cost, and frequency of use

Question 8

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

A) Two areas that should remain separate to promote innovation while reducing bias
B) They are in competition with one another to promote innovation and change
C) They are distinct, but equally important, areas that share the purpose of informing research
D) A dynamic interaction in which they enrich and inform one another and inform research
E) It is cyclical, but recognized as no longer relevant to health behavior change

Question 9

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

A) Too many studies are focused on the policy and community levels and not on the individual and interpersonal levels
B) Many studies testing theory omit some key constructs from within the model being studied
C) There has been an over-reliance on using experimental research designs
D) Researchers have focused almost exclusively on maintaining high external validity
E) None of the above statements are of concern

Question 10

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

A) More than 50% of articles were informed by theory
B) More than 50% of articles applied a theory
C) None of the articles tested theory
D) Building or creating a theory was the most common application of theory
E) Fewer than 25% of articles were informed by theory

Question 11

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

Question 12

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

Question 13

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

Question 14

Interrelated concepts, broad application, and a systematic view of events or situations are all key components of theories.

Question 15

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

Question 16

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

Question 17

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.

Question 18

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.

Question 19

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.

Question 20

The most useful and validated theories are tested exclusively in controlled settings.

Question 21

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?

Question 22

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.