Which theory adds perceived behavioral control to the factors of attitude and norms to predict behavior?

• A. Theory of Planned Behavior
• B. Theory of Reasoned Action
• C. Health Belief Model
• D. Transtheoretical Model

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how adding a sense of controllability to attitudes and social norms helps predict behavior. The Theory of Planned Behavior does this by including perceived behavioral control alongside attitude toward the behavior and subjective norms.

This theory argues that behavior is driven by intention, and intention is shaped by three factors: your evaluation of the behavior (attitude), the perceived social pressure to perform or not perform the behavior (norms), and your belief about how much control you have over performing the behavior (perceived behavioral control). Perceived behavioral control captures perceived ease or difficulty, as well as available resources and opportunities. When people feel they can easily perform the behavior, their intentions are more likely to translate into action, making the behavior more likely to occur.

The Theory of Reasoned Action includes attitude and norms but does not account for perceived behavioral control, so it doesn’t fully explain behavior when control over the action varies.