Some problems with social cognition models: A pragmatic and conceptual analysis.

Ogden, Jane

doi:10.1037/0278-6133.22.4.424

Cited by 426Behavioral Health and InterventionsMedia Influence and HealthMethodologies in Health Research and Practice

Some problems with social cognition models: A pragmatic and conceptual analysis.

Ogden, Jane·2003·Health Psychology

DOI 10.1037/0278-6133.22.4.424

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Abstract

Empirical articles published between 1997 and 2001 from 4 health psychology journals that tested or applied 1 or more social cognition models (theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, health belief model, and protection motivation theory; N = 47) were scrutinized for their pragmatic and conceptual basis. In terms of their pragmatic basis, these 4 models were useful for guiding research. The analysis of their conceptual basis was less positive. First, these models do not enable the generation of hypotheses because their constructs are unspecific; they therefore cannot be tested. Second, they focus on analytic truths rather than synthetic ones, and the conclusions resulting from their application are often true by definition rather than by observation. Finally, they may create and change both cognitions and behavior rather than describe them.

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Some have argued that these theories are inadequate even for traditional interventions.
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Authors: Ogden, J.
Affiliations: University of London (GB)
Corresponding author: Ogden, Jane
ORCID: Ogden, Jane
Venue: Health Psychology
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 2003-07
Volume: 22
Issue: 4
Pages: 424-428
ISSN: 0278-6133 (ISSN-L)
1930-7810
DOI: 10.1037/0278-6133.22.4.424
OpenAlex: W2067393553
Cited by: 426
References: 46
Citations by year: 2026: 7 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 15 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 26 · 2014: 27 · 2013: 21 · 2012: 26
FWCI: 16.85
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Health Psychology (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Surrey Research Insight Open Access (The University of Surrey) (submittedVersion)
Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Literature and Literary Theory › Media Influence and Health
Health Sciences › Health Professions › Health Information Management › Methodologies in Health Research and Practice
Keywords: social cognition models, theory of reasoned action, theory of planned behavior, Health Belief Model, protection motivation theory, health behavior change, hypothesis generation, health psychology research
MeSH terms: Attitude to Health, Cognition, Humans, Surveys and Questionnaires, Social Perception, Health Behavior

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Some problems with social cognition models: A pragmatic and conceptual analysis.

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