1. Theory and Theoretical Model PHCL 436

2. Outline Interrelation between theory, research and practice. Theory definition and components. Use of health theories and models. Selecting a theory for research or practice.

3. Why we need theories? Can you think of examples for theories? In health behavior?

4. Theory, Research and Practice In health education: Use theory to both understand behavior and change it. When resources are limited, select the intervention with best evidence.

5. Theory, Research and Practice Health Care Practitioners: – Without theory they do routine work – Need theory to understand why – Need theory to design interventions

6. Theory, Research and Practice Research is the test of theory in action. Theory informed by practice and practice grounded in theory.

7. Theory Definition It is an abstract. Like empty coffee cup. Definition: “is a set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining and predicting phenomena” Kerlinger 1986.

8. Theory Can use theory to answer: Why? What? How? Why people are not following a health behavior. What you need before developing an intervention. What you measure to evaluate a program. How to shape the intervention and reach targeted population.

9. Theory Explanatory versus change theories. Theories in health behavior reflect similar general ideas, but they are different in: – Vocabulary, – Field used, – How developed and tested.

10. Theory New theories continue to be added. However, they need to be: – Aligned with previous, – Add new information, – Tested by multiple scientists.

11. Concepts, Constructs and Variables Concepts: Major components of a theory. Constructs: Concepts adopted in a theory. Variables: Operation form of constructs. How constructs be measured.

12. Models and Theories Categories Models: More than one theory. Theories: – Individual behavior. – Interpersonal – Community. – Application theories and models

13. Selection of Theory Identify problem, goal and unit of practice. Select based on: – Internal consistency of the theory, – Broadly relevant with manageable number of concepts, – Fit with other theories.