Student Number : 99112152G - MA dissertation - School of Human and Community Development - Faculty of Humanities / Aviation maintenance is an area where better efficiency is needed to cope with ever increasing workloads. However aviation maintenance has also been identified as one of the major causes of accidents and also where maintenance personnel can sustain injuries. Consequently, if further efficiencies are to be achieved, they cannot come at the cost of reduced safety margins. The present study was concerned with identifying the reasons and attributions of injury incidents in major maintenance operations. Moreover compare team leaders and technicians and also investigate whether human error contributes to injury incidents. Much of previous research in this area has employed human error theory. In the present research the researcher tapped into the mainstream psychological theories to help clarify the mechanism underlying the links between the injury incidents and behaviour. The present study employed attribution theory and the theory of reasoned action to share light on explaining behaviour. The sample consisted of 17 participants, five team leaders and twelve aircraft technicians from different departments in major maintenance. Results of the study indicate that participants experienced different injury incidents in major maintenance. These injury incidents occurred as a result of various contributory factors. Contributory factors cited were equipment deficiencies, pressure, slippery and dirty floors and stands. Team leaders and technicians had similar and different responses towards the research questions asked. Types of errors that contributed to these injury incidents were slips, skill-based, knowledge-based errors and most importantly, violations. Participants made external attributions towards injury incidents. Explanations using reasoned action theory with regard to the reasons and actions that lead to injury incidents were related more subjective norm and also associated with violations and pressure.

Past research has demonstrated that there are numerous medical and psychological consequences when a woman with an eating disorder becomes pregnant. There has been a paucity of research, however, examining the attitudes towards pregnancy of women with body image issues/eating disorders and how these attitudes subsequently affect intentions to become pregnant. The present study examines intentions to become pregnant among a sample of women ranging in level of body image concerns using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a framework (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980). Two hundred and forty-two females from an introductory psychology class completed a questionnaire, including the Eating Disorder Inventory (Garner, 1991) and specific scales targeting the components of the TRA developed for the present study. As expected, all TRA precursors to intentions were positively correlated with intentions to become pregnant, while contrary to predictions, body image was not correlated with intentions. In partial support of the TRA, a multiple regression analysis revealed that, for all participants, the subjective norm of pregnancy and perceived benefits of pregnancy were predictive of intentions to become pregnant. Perceived costs of pregnancy, however, evidenced no ability to predict intentions to become pregnant. Although results failed to support the prediction that those with high body image concerns would indicate a lower intention to become pregnant, significant differences among those with high versus low body image concerns did emerge. Specifically, participants with high body image concerns reported greater perceived costs of pregnancy as well as a greater likelihood of engaging in weight control behaviours during pregnancy. Implications, as well as practical applications of these findings are discussed.

Past research has demonstrated that there are numerous medical and psychological consequences when a woman with an eating disorder becomes pregnant. There has been a paucity of research, however, examining the attitudes towards pregnancy of women with body image issues/eating disorders and how these attitudes subsequently affect intentions to become pregnant. The present study examines intentions to become pregnant among a sample of women ranging in level of body image concerns using the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) as a framework (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980). Two hundred and forty-two females from an introductory psychology class completed a questionnaire, including the Eating Disorder Inventory (Garner, 1991) and specific scales targeting the components of the TRA developed for the present study. As expected, all TRA precursors to intentions were positively correlated with intentions to become pregnant, while contrary to predictions, body image was not correlated with intentions. In partial support of the TRA, a multiple regression analysis revealed that, for all participants, the subjective norm of pregnancy and perceived benefits of pregnancy were predictive of intentions to become pregnant. Perceived costs of pregnancy, however, evidenced no ability to predict intentions to become pregnant. Although results failed to support the prediction that those with high body image concerns would indicate a lower intention to become pregnant, significant differences among those with high versus low body image concerns did emerge. Specifically, participants with high body image concerns reported greater perceived costs of pregnancy as well as a greater likelihood of engaging in weight control behaviours during pregnancy. Implications, as well as practical applications of these findings are discussed.

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Prior tax compliance literature has examined the use of persuasive messages that emphasize audit and sanctions as a way to increase compliance. This work has been done in single period experiments using either survey or field study methodologies. Results from the prior studies are mixed. The theory of reasoned action is a theory of social behavior that promotes emphasizing direct consequences of actions to motivate specific behavior. Persuasive messages based on this theory have been found to be effective in a number of different disciplines. The theory of reasoned action has been used in the field of tax compliance to explain compliance behavior and examine the behavioral beliefs related to compliant reporting, but has not been used to design persuasive messages aimed at increasing compliance. In this dissertation, I conduct a laboratory experiment that examines the effects of two types of messages - a traditional message consisting of a simple reminder of audit risk and a message designed based on the theory of reasoned action. Consistent with prior research on tax compliance, I test the messages in an initial single period but I extend prior research by also examining the effects of the messages over repeated periods. Neither the traditional message nor the message based on the theory of reasoned action have a significant effect on initial period compliance. The interaction effect of the traditional message and time on tax compliance is positive and significant and the interaction effect of the theory of reasoned action message and time on tax compliance is positive and marginally significant. These results provide evidence that the messages may be effective in increasing an individual's tax compliance over time. In the repeated period data, the theory of reasoned action message exhibits a positive and significant impact on the amount of income reported when an individual reports less than 100% of their earned income, providing evidence that messages designed based on the theory of reasoned action may be an effective tool in reducing the tax gap. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors related to young black men’s intention to screen for prostate cancer as well as their engagement in prostate cancer risk-reduction behaviors. The study tested the significance of the constructs – age, attitude (direct and indirect), social influence, comfortability, cues to action, health screening experiences and knowledge – in predicting young black men’s intention to screen for prostate cancer; as well as the significance of the constructs – age, cues to action, exercise and knowledge – in predicting engagement in prostate cancer risk-reduction behaviors. Demographic/personal factors were also explored in related to the model predictors. Web-based and paper-pencil surveys were administered to 279 black men aged between 18 – 40 years from the Austin area. Three focus groups were conducted to collect information regarding young black men’s behavioral beliefs toward prostate cancer screening as well as their comfortability with prostate examinations. The number of usable surveys was 267. Using direct and indirect measures, the combination of attitude, social influence, comfortability (indirect model), and knowledge explained 41.0 and 43.0 percent of the variance in intention to screen for prostate cancer, respectively; with social influence being the strongest predictor ([Beta]=0.41; p <0.01 for the direct model and [Beta]=0.47 for the indirect model). For the model with prostate cancer risk-reduction as the outcome variable, the model accounted for 10.0 percent of the variance in behavior with only knowledge ([Beta]=0.19; p=0.03) as significant predictor. Interventions that address young black men’s attitude, social influence, comfortability, and knowledge may be necessary to increase young men’s intention to screen for prostate cancer when it is recommended by a physician. Additionally, factors surrounding exercise and knowledge may be important in increasing young men’s engagement in prostate cancer risk-reduction behaviors. Future studies using intention as a predictor of young men’s behavior are needed to assess the influence of intention on prostate cancer screening. / text

This cross-sectional study examined whether the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) apply to psychologists’ openness to using telepsychology, and to identify significant personal or environmental predictors of telepsychology adoption. A total of 1,791 licensed psychologists currently practicing psychotherapy in the United States were recruited to complete a previously developed 21-item pool. Personal and environmental characteristics were also collected. Path models representing the TRA, TAM, and a hybrid of both were tested. Also, a logistic regression was used to identify personal and environmental predictors of current use of telepsychology. Results indicated the TRA and TAM were a poor fit for modeling psychologists’ openness to using telepsychology. Adequate fit was found with a third model in which the perceived attitudes of others concerning telepsychology were associated with the perceived ease of use and usefulness of telepsychology. Perceived ease of use and usefulness of telepsychology were both uniquely associated with current use of telepsychology. Receiving telepsychology training, organizational policies concerning the use of telepsychology, treatment emphases, treatment setting, and practicing within a rural area were significant predictors of current use; however, individual characteristics such as age, race/ethnicity, and years of practice were not. Organizations interested in encouraging psychologists to adopt telepsychology should create policies supporting the use of telepsychology and provide adequate training. Government and regulatory entities seeking to ensure treatment for individuals currently restricted from mental health services by time or geography should create clear and consistent laws permitting and governing the use of telepsychology.

The purpose of this study was to measure whether an after-school environmental education program based on modified Project Wild materials, positively impacted third graders environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions. Eight lesson plans were developed, piloted and re-designed over a one year period and then delivered to third graders for a total of eight weeks in a fall semester. The lessons included units on water, air, land, recycling, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. A pre-post test retrospective questionnaire was developed to determine changes in the participant's knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions as a result of participating in the program. Results indicate positive shifts in knowledge and changes in environmental attitudes and behavioral intentions. Recommendations were also made for future studies.

Conflicts between humans and leopards have intensified in the Junnar Forest Division (JFD), India due to a combination of factors: loss of natural habitats, increasing rural human densities, and increasing leopard populations. These rural and agrarian communities that have large sugarcane plantations are vulnerable to these conflicts in the form of livestock depredation and attacks on humans, which decrease the tolerance of locals towards leopards and may undermine local wildlife conservation activities. This study used structured interviews to explore local resident's views, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and behavioral intentions towards leopards and their conservation. The mean attitudes and behavioral intentions of respondents (N = 154) was found to be positive towards leopards and their conservation. To understand behaviors towards leopards and their conservation, a socio-psychological theory, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), was used. Results indicate a stronger attitudinal influence on locals' behavioral intention towards leopards and leopard conservation. Although several socioeconomic and demographic variables were found to be statistically significant in relation to attitudes, this study revealed the existence of social, psychological, and cultural variables that shape the locals' perceptions of leopards and their conservation. The current study shows that local peoples' attitudes toward leopards are complex, with the view held by the same person often being characterized by both negative and positive aspects. This study does reveal positive dimensions to the local peoples' perceptions of leopards, which are relevant to conservation of this animal and serve as a foundation for recommendations regarding regulatory interventions and educational and management strategies for the future.

The Mobile media has flourished more and more recently. In terms of NCC (National Communications Commission) statistics, the mobile phone penetration had been more than 100% in Taiwan in 2008. In addition, the proportion of Mobile phone revenue was the highest part of telecommunication services in 2008. The marketing pattern developed from both of the highest revenue of Mobile phone business, ¡§Voice Service and Short Message Service (SMS)¡¨, telemarketing and SMS advertisement are the most significant. Therefore, it is definitely a useful study for advertiser who wants to compare both of the most important marketing tools, and which one is suitable for which product¡¦s marketing, additionally, the purpose of understanding the consumer¡¦s attitude and behavior intension. According to research methodology, this study has employed questionnaire survey technique. It had surveyed the consumers who have had received telemarketing and text-message advertisement, and for understanding the differentia of attitude and behavior intension when consumers face both of the marketing tools on different products. There are totally 300 valuable questionnaires. Make time from 18 April to 9 May in 2010. According to the findings of the study, to sell high-involvement with rational products, the telemarketing is better. And the object of the students, the military and housewife will likely purchase are more than people who serve as commercial and manufacturing. If advertiser wants to sell high-involvement with perceptual products, both telemarketing and SMS advertisement are useful. If advertiser wants to sell low-involvement with rational products, the telemarketing is easier to succeed. Furthermore, we can pay attention on that the attitudes and behavior intentions of female that are definitely better than male, and people with low educational level whose attitudes and behavior intentions are better than with high educational level, and low income people whose behavior intentions are better than high income people. If advertiser wants to sell low-involvement with perceptual products, the SMS advertisement is much better. In summary, it is important to mention that: People serve as the "services" whose attitudes and behavior intensions are ¡§low¡¨, and serve as "housewife", "military", "manufacturing" and "students" are ¡§high¡¨.