Self-efficacy and pedometers

The following mock Paper 3 is based on “determinants of health” in the health psychology option.

The following study looks at the role of

self-efficacy in promoting physical activity
in teenage girls. Self-efficacy is an
important heath belief -that is, the belief
that you have control over your behaviour
and you can change it if you want to.

The following study used an experimental

design. Two classes of female students
(mean age of 16) were randomly allocated
for a girls’ college to either an intervention
group (n = 46) or a control group (n = 48).
For all participants their weekly step
count and level of self-efficacy was
measured as a baseline to begin.

In addition, a baseline of the girls’ cardiopulmonary endurance was measured, using

a three-minute aerobic step test.

The control group went through a physical education class in which they were told
that 12.000 steps or 60 minutes of walking was recommended per day. They were
given a pedometer, but the data was blocked so that they could not see their own
progress. The intervention group was given the same instruction about the number
of steps that they should have per day, but they were given more support during the
12-week experiment. Every other week their data was downloaded for them to see -
and a “walking log” was created which graphically illustrated the distances that
they had walked. The researchers also discussed their physical activity with them
and any difficulties they encountered.

The primary outcome was a change in the number of aerobic steps. After 12 weeks,
the mean change in the number of aerobic steps in the intervention group had
increased by 371 steps - and in the control group, they had decreased by 108 steps - a
difference of 467 steps. There was no significant difference in the mean change of
cardiopulmonary endurance or perceived exercise self-efficacy.

The researchers argue that is important for health professionals, including school
health nurses, involved in the care of adolescent health, to design and provide a
physical activity intervention combining self-efficacy theory and provision of
pedometer to promote physical activity.
Lee, L. , Kuo, Y. , Fanaw, D. , Perng, S. and Juang, I. (2012), The effect of an intervention combining self‐
efficacy theory and pedometers on promoting physical activity among adolescents. Journal of Clinical Nursing,
21: 914-922. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03881.x

© John Crane, InThinking
http://www.thinkib.net/psychology/ 1


Questions

1a. Identify the method used and outline two characteristics of the method.

1b. Describe the sampling method used in the study.

1c. Suggest an alternative or additional research method giving one reason for your
choice.

2. Describe the ethical considerations that were applied in the study and explain if
further ethical considerations could be applied.

3. Discuss how a researcher could ensure that the results of the study are credible.

© John Crane, InThinking
http://www.thinkib.net/psychology/ 2