According to the Theory of Reasoned Action, individuals are likely to engage in a behavior if their what point toward that behavior?

• A. Emotions only
• B. Intents are random
• C. Attitudes and normative beliefs
• D. Rewards determine behavior

Answer: (C)

In the Theory of Reasoned Action, a person’s likelihood of performing a behavior is driven by their intention to do it, and that intention is shaped by two things: attitudes toward the behavior and normative beliefs. Attitude reflects whether they view the behavior positively or negatively, while normative beliefs involve perceived social pressure from important people and what those people think they want them to do (plus their motivation to comply). When someone believes the behavior is beneficial and feels social support or expectation to perform it, their intention to engage is stronger, making actual engagement more likely. This is why attitudes and normative beliefs are the best predictors of whether the behavior will occur. Emotions alone, randomness of intention, or rewards as the primary driver don’t capture how intention forms in this theory.