From start to finish: Examining the interplay of reasoned action theory and constructivism as they mutually inform an instructional development effort
Year: 2007
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This effort examined the interplay of reasoned action theory and constructivist epistemology as they mutually inform an instructional development effort to decrease the prevalence of pressure ulcers and their associated sequelae in home health care. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \nThe effort is framed by the point of view, drawn from health behavior theory, that, barring external barriers, behavior occurs when people know what to do, know how to do it, and, in fact, want to do it. Moreover, in terms of wanting to do something, behavior can be predicted from people's intentions to engage in the behavior, attitudes toward the behavior, perceived norms regarding the behavior, and perceived control over the behavior. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \nThis framework becomes richer when behavior and behavioral change are considered from an epistemological perspective that views individuals as active makers of meaning, as creators of personal stories. These dynamic personal narratives are influenced by experience and in turn influence interpretation of experience; they guide behavior, and they provide an explanation for it. From this perspective, for behavior to be understood, and behavior change to be fostered, researchers and developers need to find ways to understand, connect with, and influence personal narratives. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \nGuided by reasoned action theory, beliefs and associated psychosocial constructs regarding pressure ulcer preventive care were determined through elicitation and survey studies among home healthcare providers. This data, along with factual and procedural objectives identified in conjunction with subject matter experts, was used within a constructivist framework to inform the design of an instructional video. The video was evaluated in a between-within design with multiple dependent variables. Significant differences in learning were observed, with those viewing the video demonstrating greater gains on measures of knowledge, on multivariate composite of psychosocial variables, and on perceived control. No differences in intentions, attitudes, or perceived norms were observed. Those viewing the video rated it highly on measures of consumer satisfaction. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \nThe results of each stage of the effort are discussed individually and overall. The roles of reasoned action theory and the constructivist epistemological framework are discussed individually and as they mutually affect one another. Implications for other instructional intervention efforts are drawn.
Author: Richard C. Goldsworthy
Institution: Indiana University
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2215358537