Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements
Assignment Objective: The goal is to critically evaluate specific behaviour change models, identifying their strengths, limitations, and practical applications within health psychology.
Focus on Critical Evaluation: This means going beyond summarizing the models. Students need to analyze, question, and compare each model’s effectiveness and applicability to real-world health interventions.
Step 2: Choose the Behaviour Change Models to Evaluate
Students should select a few widely recognized models in health psychology. Recommended choices include:
Health Belief Model (HBM)
Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)
Transtheoretical Model (TTM)
COM-B Model
Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)
Using 3-4 models will allow for a thorough analysis without overwhelming the essay with content.
Step 3: Conduct Research on Each Model
Understand Each Model in Depth:
Gather detailed information about how each model works, its core components, and its theoretical basis.
Review academic sources, including journal articles, textbooks, and credible online resources.
Identify Studies on Effectiveness:
Look for studies that have applied these models to health behaviours (e.g., smoking cessation, diet changes).
Note any real-world results and limitations these studies have found.
Step 4: Structure the Essay
A well-organized structure is essential to presenting a clear and focused argument. Here’s a suggested outline:
Introduction (10-15% of the word count):
Define what behaviour change models are and their relevance in health psychology.
Briefly introduce the models chosen for evaluation.
End with a thesis statement outlining the critical perspective that will guide the essay (e.g., which models appear most effective or applicable).
Body (70-75% of the word count):
Individual Model Analysis (one section per model):
Description: Briefly explain each model’s purpose and core concepts.
Strengths and Limitations: Critically evaluate each model’s strengths (e.g., structure, practical application) and limitations (e.g., complexity, narrow applicability).
Evidence of Effectiveness: Discuss studies or examples that illustrate how the model has succeeded or failed in real health contexts.
Comparative Evaluation:
Compare models in terms of practicality, effectiveness, and versatility.
Discuss whether integrating certain models could address their individual limitations.
Conclusion (10-15% of the word count):
Summarize the main findings of the critical analysis.
Reinforce the key strengths and weaknesses of each model.
End with a balanced evaluation of how these models contribute to health psychology and where improvements or additional research might be beneficial.
Step 5: Focus on Critical Analysis
Question Assumptions:
For each model, consider what assumptions it makes about behaviour. Does it assume that people act rationally, or does it account for unconscious influences?
Analyze Practicality:
Are these models realistic and feasible in actual health settings? Consider limitations like resources, accessibility, and time constraints.
Incorporate Real-World Examples:
Discuss specific examples where these models have been implemented, noting outcomes and any adaptations made to fit the health context.
Suggest Improvements or Combinations:
Propose how combining models or adapting them might increase their effectiveness, particularly for complex behaviours like addiction or chronic disease management.