Learning and Behavior Change Analytic Theories - Literature review Example

RITIСАL АРРRАISАL ОF THЕ LITЕRАTURЕ Name Institution Date Human factors refer to a study discipline that addresses the interface of human-machine. Human factors comprises of the psychological, social, as well as physical and biological aspects in addition to the user’s safety characteristics and his respective system. Similarly, human factors from the clinical perspective refer to the non-technical factors that medically influence on patient care. It is worthwhile noting that, human factors pose colossal breadth such as human behavior and interactions among professionals, equipment design, systems, as well as the environment. Current research shows that the influence of human factors is significantly huge. Considerably, the awareness of as well as the attention given to the negative aspects of clinical human factors improves patient care. Consequently, there is currently an intensive literature with regard to human factors. Notably, the research aims at exploring and evaluating as well as analyzing the available literature in health sector. Particularly, the key principle lies in the way one can apply human factors in the health sector in order to promote efficiency in the health services (Sharkey, 2008). In as much as this paper addresses the human factors, the key emphasis is on the way in which one can apply theories concerning behavioral change in the health sector. Research by Knott (2008) identifies that the recent intensive interest in theories concerning behavioral change has diversified because of their significant application in areas such as health and criminology; hence, initiating further research sponsored by institutions, as well as the strategy unit by the UK prime minister. However, in addition to the above renewed interest, there is a move towards research that aims at understanding behavioral change maintenance in and widening the research foundation for appraising current theories that address initial change. General theories and their counterpart models on human factors Studies by Knott (2008), postulate that each theory and model on behavioral change addresses different aspects in their attempt to evaluate behavioral change. However, among the myriad theories and models, the key focus rests on theories that concern themselves with learning, social cognitive, and Planned Behavior. Additionally, other scholars like Knott (2008) have made significant contributions on human factors by focusing on models such as Tran theoretical and the renowned approach referred to as the process of Health Action Process. Moreover, scholars have produced flourishing research regarding specific features of the above theories, particularly elements such as self-efficacy that cut across myriad theories. Research work by Knott (2008) describe Self-efficacy as ones impression of their individual ability to tackle a demanding, as well as challenging task like sitting for an exam or facing surgery. Notably, such impressions base upon factors such as ones prior victory in the task and other related tasks, ones physiological state, and persuasion outside sources. Considerably, scholars perceive self-efficacy as predictive of the total effort expended by an individual in initiating, as well as maintaining a change in his behavior. Consequently, although self efficacy is not a distinguished theory on behavioral change, it is a vital feature of several theories, as well as models such as the theory on Health Belief, the Planned Behavior theory and the approach known as process of Health Action. Learning theories/ behavior change analytic theories Behaviorists such as Skinner have generated the theories on learning theories, which hold that individuals learn complex behavior gradually by modifying simpler behaviors. Behaviorists postulate that Imitation coupled with reinforcement are so critical in the above theories. The theories dictate that one learns by duplicating behaviors that he observes in others, especially those behaviors whose rewards are significant to encouraging the reoccurrence of desirable behavior. Significantly, an individual can establish simple behavior by imitating and receiving subsequent reinforcements; hence, gradually develop a specific complex behavior. Notably, whenever an individual establishes a verbal behavior he can easily learn through rule-governed behavior. Consequently, one can hold that not every action requires contingency shaping. Skinner was among the pioneer psychologists to acknowledge the central role played by imitation in language learning. Conclusively, it is evident from current research that, Behavior change analytic theories have been significantly effective; hence, helping improve the human situation especially with respect to behavior therapy. Social learning/ cognitive theory The theory on social learning also referred to as the social cognitive, dictates that elements such as factors like the environment, people, and behavior determine behavior change. It is significant highlighting that each factor has a significant influence on the above- listed factors. For example, with respect to self-efficacy principles, the thoughts of an individual influence his behavior. Additionally, the characteristics of an individual’s evoke particular responses from the immediate social environment. Similarly, the environment of an individual influences the development of personal features and behavior of the person's behavior. Moreover, the behavior of an individual can change his environment and the individuals way of thinking. Conclusively, the theory on Social learning addresses the reciprocal interactions among the above hypothesized factors in an effort to arrive at behavioral change. The Theory on Reasoned Action Knott (2008) argues that Reasoned Action theory holds that individuals do question on the consequences of a certain behavior before engaging in that particular behavior. Consequently, intention plays a significant role in determining behavioral change. Studies by knot also show that intentions arise from ones perception of any behavior as positive in addition to the individual's impression of the society’s rating of the same behavior. Therefore, an intention is shaped by personal attitude, as well as social pressure, which is crucial to behavior performance and eventually behavioral change (Fraser, 1994). Theory on Planned Behavior The Theory on Planned Behavior also focuses on the significance of intention in performance of a behavior, however, it aims at covering cases where by an individual is beyond the control of the factors influencing the real behavior performance. Consequently, the theory on planned behavior holds it that the occurrence of real performance of behavior is relatively parallel to the total control an individual possesses gains over the behavior and the capability of the individual's plan to perform the behavior. It is worthwhile emphasizing that scholars hypothesize that self-efficacy is critical in calculating the capability of the individual's intention to behavior performance. Tran theoretical/ Change stages Model According to the Tran theoretical Model, also referred to as the Change Stages Model, behavioral change comprise of five- phase process. These represent the stages oscillated by an individual before realizing a complete change. The above stages include are pre-contemplation, contemplation section, preparation stage, action phase, and maintenance stage. At the pre- contemplation stage, one may recognize a problem but the individual has no business with changing his behavior. After pre-contemplation up to contemplation, the individual gains a desire to modify a behavior. However, during preparation, the individual plans to mould the behavior by the next few months, and in the action phase, the individual starts to portray new behavior consistently. Conclusively, an individual develops to the maintenance phase once they portray the new behavior constantly for approximately six months. The Process Approach of health action Knott (2008) identifies that the above theory is designed as a continuum of two constant self-governing processes. These entail a phase of goal-setting referred to as motivation and a phase of goal-pursuit referred to as volition. Goal-pursuit comprises a pre-action stage and a phase of an action. Notably, Motivational self-efficacy and outcome-expectancies, as well as risk perceptions are considered as the signs of intentions. The above stage is the model’s motivational phase. However, the speculative influence of motivational self-efficacy on an individual’s behavior is regarded to be initiated through recovery self-efficacy. Similarly, the impacts of intentions are considered to be initiated through planning. Application of human factors in health Recent research work by Knott(2008) Identifies that In the endeavor to promoting lifestyle in healthy development, theories on behavioral change have received acknowledgement for their significant effectiveness in examining behaviors related to health and providing a lime light into approaches that would promote people to develop, as well as maintain healthy and secured lifestyles. Notably, renowned health applications of theories in behavioral change comprise the formulation of programs encouraging active lifestyles. Additionally, there are programs mitigating the impacts of diseases such as AIDS. Moreover, the health national institutes have recently sponsored research to widen the awareness of theories on behavioral change (Bedny, 2010). Significantly, Models basically focusing on health applications of human factors include the model on Health Belief also referred to as Health Action, the model on Relapse Prevention, and the process approach referred to as health action. Additionally, the model on the I-Change is another practical application of human factors. Health Belief dictates that one will modify health-related behavior with respect to how severe the behavior is on his health. Similarly, the model on Relapse Prevention aims at encouraging long lasting healthy behavior by distinguishing between lapses from relapses in order to elicit individuals to up hold healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, the model on I-Change Model is a very Integrated Model for analyzing motivational, as well as behavioral change. Notably, the model traces its development from the model on Self-Efficacy. Scholars argue that the above model is an integration of principles of the theory on Planned Behavior, and the theory on Social Cognitive. References Knott, D. (2008). Achieving Culture Change: a Policy Framework. Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, UK Cabinet Office. Retrieved June 11, 2008. Bedny, G. (2010). Human-Computer Interaction and Operators Performance. Taylor & Francis Group, USA, CRC PresS. Fraser, T. (1994). Work, productivity, and human performance. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas Sharkey, B. (2008). Hard Work: Defining Physical Work Performance Requirements. Blaine, WA: Human Kinetics. Sell, R. G. (1977). Human factors in work design and production. London: Taylor & Francis. Read More