| Must read on theory! February 23, 2012
By Bandura
Format:Paperback
Dr. Patricia Goodson's book "Theory in Health Promotion Research and Practice: Thinking Outside the Box" was THE most helpful theory book I found to assist writing my dissertation. It certainly delivered on the promise to guide "the reader to reflect on the process of thinking theoretically and provides practical strategies for applying theory to research and practice" (Amazon's book description). Before this book, I (mistakenly) viewed theory as only something to guide (and limit) research agendas and processes. Now, I understand the dynamic role theories can have in a much broader sense, including the process of thinking theoretically. I have read though sections of the book multiple times and have found that as my understanding of theory matures, I continually find new insights from re-reads. This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of theory for either research (both quantitative and qualitative) and practice (both professional and personal).
Learn to think "Outside the Box" January 24, 2014
By Heather in Houston
Format:Paperback
I have had the privilege of taking Goodson's face-to-face theory and writing classes at Texas A&M. She is one of the nicest, most dedicated faculty across any university. "Theory in Health Promotion Research and Practice: Thinking Outside the Box" is a wonderful example of an intermediate-to-advanced theory textbook.
Having spent a few years teaching human behavior courses, it is refreshing to see a text that does not read like an encyclopedia of theories and supporting evidence. I believe the 1-star-rating reviewers mention Glanz and colleagues as exemplars of quality texts in this area. Ironically, Goodson uses that text in her beginning theory class.
Goodson's "Outside the Box" text challenges readers to see theory as more than just a sum of its conceptual pieces, not unlike a quilt pattern or chocolate chip cookie recipe. I loved the visuals these analogies invoke, but clearly some did not. The text also provides practical advice for applying theories in practice settings. I love the checklists and use these with my post-doctoral fellow mentees.
I'm unsure of the root causes of the sarcasm and outright vitriol from the 1-star-rating reviewers. Again, this text is clearly written for students with existing foundations in behavior change theories. In fact, Goodson explicitly states this fact in her text. Thus, the 1-star ratings seem a bit like "sour grapes."
course book September 22, 2013
By Heather Holmes
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
We were assigned this as one of two theory books for a class. I'm only about halfway through the first chapter and It's pretty easy to read. This one is already the better book by far. (The other one's a slog that it turns out was assigned mostly for the references in each chapter, and because it's "the standard").
Theory is a lot more fun with this book!!! April 16, 2012
By flower bud
Format:Paperback
Dr. Goodson's book is a fabulous addition to a learning theories collection. As an international scholar, I highly recommend this book to you! It is such a lovely journey to read each chapter after another- I keep this book on my desktop everyday!!! I love her dialogue tone, which turned me, someone with a theory-phobia, into a big fan of theories. This book really made me think theoretically! It is very applicable to anyone who are in designing, implementing and evaluation stages of their research. I am constructing the theoretical models for my research projects currently, by following the practical steps in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone looking to learn about theories in a whole new way!
By the way, I took her writing class recently, and it was one of the most enlightening classes I have ever had in my entire life. |