Question

Define theory as Glanz, Rimer and Viswanath define it in chapter one within the text. Then, define theory from a health promotion and disease prevention perspective.

• Discuss and explain two factors that influence individual behavior.

Answer 1

According to Glanz Theory us a rule or assumption about the truth of a concept as it relates to determining or explaining some phenomenon.

Theory is a set of inrer-related concepts definitions and propositions that present a systematic view of events or situations by specifying relations among variables;they can be broadly applied, tested and are abstract.

Individual behavior can be considered as an iceberg (above the surface are visible apects like objectives, technology, formal authority, structure, strategies, below the surface are the hidden aspects like perceptions, attitudes, interpersonal and intergroup conflicts and interactions.

The two factors which influence the individual behaviour are Values and Attribution. Values of a person determine what is good or bad for him, as each person have their values. Attribution is the course of observing behavior followed by detetmining it's cause based on individuals personality or situation. It uses 3criteria such as consensus, distinctiveness and consistency.