Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action: Accurate Prediction of Behavioral Intentions for Enrolling in Distance Education Courses

Abstract

This study tested how well Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action predicted respiratory care practitioners' participation intentions for completing a baccalaureate degree through distance education. The significant predictor variables, attitude and subjective social norm, yielded R2 = .46 which was validated through a within-study replication. The predictor variables, subjective personal norm and perceived behavioral control, did not achieve significance. Tests of the model's explanatory role showed moderate to high correlations between attitude and beliefs (r = .50) and subjective social norm and beliefs (r = .70). This study further supports the use of the theory of reasoned action for predicting participation intentions within continuing professional education (CPE). It also demonstrated that significant predictor variables might vary according to the specific population and context under study. This paper concludes with recommendations for research needed to refine the use of the theory of reasoned action within CPE.