Science and induction General induction (*** preferred ***) –Hypothesis based on many pieces of information (evidence, exemplars, premises) –E.g., a scientific theory about a lot of different experimental results Specific induction –Hypothesis based on only one piece of evidence –E.g., scientist creates a new theory after doing one experiment

Other types of induction Explanatory induction (*** preferred ***) (aka, Abduction) –Hypothesis seeks to explain evidence –E.g., scientific theory explains in detail how certain concepts relate to each other Descriptive induction –Hypothesis describes the evidence –E.g., scientific theory describes a pattern or label of what’s going on

Theories of Health Behavior Health Belief Model (HBM) –Your knowledge of a particular area of health determines your behavior –Rosenstock, 1974 –Your behavior is based on 1) perceived threat of getting a particular disease 2) perceived effectiveness of taking actions to avoid the disease

More theories of health behavior Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) Azjen & Fishbein, 1980 –Healthy behavior based on your intentions –i.e., if you intend to be healthy, you will be healthy –Officially called “behavioral intention” 1) attitudes toward healthy activities 2) the people around you (social norms)

More theories of health behavior Social Cognitive Theory –Bandura, 1977 –People do what is rewarding; they don’t do what is punishing –Based on whether you believe an action is rewarding or punishing Based on personal experiences Or, based on other people’s experiences (“vicarious learning”)

More on social cognitive theory Social Cognitive Theory (continued) –Self-efficacy  you have to believe that you can accomplish a goal –Determines whether you engage in a healthy behavior

More theories of health behavior Transtheoretical model (TTM) –Prochaska & DiClemente, 1984 –All individuals divided into different groups based on their health behavior –Series of stages of health behavior from worst to best

More on transtheoretical model Stages of Change: –Precontemplation: don’t think about or care about your health –Contemplation: first start thinking about your health –Preparation: start making a plan for your health –Action: start carrying out the plan –Maintenance: keep up the healthy behavior over time (6 mos. Or longer)