Your essay should consider the theoretical basis of the technique(s) selected; the underlying mechanism(s) of behaviour change and demonstrate the utility of the identified behaviour change technique(s) in relation to your chosen behaviour.
Word limit: 2000 words (excluding references)
Essay question model answer:
The general requirement for a good answer is to:
• Be well-written, showing evidence of critical insight and sound argument
• Show reading of relevant material and an ability to integrate this material into the answer in a well-structured and effective manner.
A passing answer must attempt to:
• Introduce the general features of a taxonomy for behaviour change techniques
• Describe the behavioural pathogen in relation to its impact on health and identify any specific features of the behaviour that are potentially modifiable
• Draw on a range of research to illustrate the nature of interventions for the identified behavioural pathogen
• Classify these interventions according to the chosen taxonomy
• Critically evaluate the utility of the identified techniques for modifying the specified behaviour
• Comment on which techniques the evidence suggests future interventions should employ
Furthermore, a good answer will include one or more of the following:
• Describe the attributes of more than one version of the taxonomy identifying developments over time and/or present an argument for adopting an alternative classification system
• Critically discuss the merits of the chosen taxonomy or approach to classifying behaviour change techniques
• Draw on an extensive range of research to illustrate the nature of interventions for the identified behavioural pathogen and/or produce a focussed review of studies addressing a limited range of intervention strategies based on a theoretical argument
• Highlight the limitations of using a taxonomy-based approach to classifying intervention strategies
• Produce a sophisticated critical discussion regarding which techniques the evidence suggests future interventions should employ
• Relate the evidence for specific strategies to identifiable health psychology models or theories.