Figure 2-3. The causal linkages between variables associated with theory of reasoned
 action (Ajzen, I., and Fishbein, M. (1980). Understanding attitudes and
 predicting social behavior. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.)

 Researchers test TRA among a variety of behaviors and intentions, such as

participation in environmental programs (Luzar & Diagne, 1999), use of educational

curriculums (Codd & Cohen, 2003; Meyer, Roberto, Boster & Roberto, 2004), and health

related behaviors (Dodge, Ford & Perko, 2003).

 Sapp (2002) discusses the importance of the hierarchy of effects principal

developed by Ajzen and Fishbein in influencing behavior. The hierarchy of effects

principal surmises that cause and effect are rational in that knowledge, attitude and

intentions can predict and determine behavior. Individuals can make rational decisions to

engage in a behavior based on these factors. However, inconsistencies between attitudes

and behaviors are observed in past research. "Conditions such as contrary

beliefs... countervailing values, addictions motivated by both physical and social

conditions ... and abnormal psychology can create nonrational behavior" (Sapp, 2002,

p.38). Sapp discusses how the lack or limitations of knowledge can lead to these attitude-

behavior inconsistencies or nonrational behavior instead of the above conditions. The

inconsistencies may actually be related to "an inability to engage in behavior that