What Are the Four Components of the Theory of Reasoned

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The Answer is The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) is a model used in psychology that predicts deliberate behavior, because it posits that individuals behave in a rational manner, making systematic use of the information available to them. According to this theory, human action is guided by three kinds of considerations: behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs. However, the original TRA model specifically focuses on two main components that determine behavior:

1. **Attitude Toward the Behavior**: This refers to the individual's positive or negative feelings about performing a behavior. It is determined through an assessment of one's beliefs regarding the consequences of the behavior, weighted by evaluations of those consequences. If a person believes that the outcome of the behavior is positive, and values this outcome, they will have a positive attitude towards the behavior.

2. **Subjective Norm**: This involves the belief about whether most people who are important to the individual think he or she should or should not perform the behavior. It is influenced by normative beliefs, which are beliefs about the expectations of others, combined with motivation to comply with these expectations. If an individual perceives that their peers or family members approve of the behavior, they may be more inclined to engage in it.

These two components are used to predict an individual's intention to engage in a behavior at a specific time and place. The theory assumes that when people have time to plan and think about their actions, the intention is the best predictor of actual behavior.

Later, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was developed as an extension of the TRA to include a third component:

3. **Perceived Behavioral Control**: This refers to the person's perception of the ease or difficulty of performing the behavior of interest. It is assumed to reflect past experience as well as anticipated impediments and obstacles. Perceived behavioral control is conceptually related to self-efficacy.

While the TRA originally included only the first two components, the TPB added the third to account for situations where individuals may not have complete volitional control over their behaviors. The TPB is often what people refer to when they mention the four components, as it is a more comprehensive model that includes:

4. **Behavioral Intention**: This is the motivational factor that indicates the likelihood of the individual performing the behavior. It is considered an immediate antecedent of behavior. Intention is influenced by the attitude toward the behavior, the subjective norm, and the perceived behavioral control.

In summary, the Theory of Reasoned Action focuses on attitude toward the behavior and subjective norm to predict behavioral intention, while the Theory of Planned Behavior adds perceived behavioral control as a third predictor of intention and ultimately behavior.

What Are the Four Components of the Theory of Reasoned

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