Ajzen and Fishbein’s “Theory of Reasoned Action:” A critical assessment

This article presents a critical analysis of I. Ajzen and M. Fishbein’s Theory of Reasoned Action (1975, 1980) posits a sequential causal relationship from beliefs to behavior via attitudes and social norms. The theory suggests that individuals’ beliefs about social approval influence their intentions and subsequent behaviors. However, the article argues that even under favorable conditions, the linear progression from beliefs to actions is problematic. The authors contend that the theory fails to robustly account for the complexities of human behavior, particularly in the context of nutritional choices, ultimately concluding that its utility as a predictive framework is significantly diminished. [NPID: Theory of Reasoned Action, social norms, attitudes, behavior, framework]

Year: 1983

Reference: Thomas Sarver Jr., V. (1983). Ajzen and Fishbein’s “Theory of Reasoned Action”: A Critical Assessment. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 13(2), 155–164. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5914.1983.tb00469.x

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