---
title: "Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein-Ajzen) — Definition"
description: "The Theory of Reasoned Action predicts behavior through intention and is crucial for understanding decision-making in social psychology and policy research."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/theory-of-reasoned-action"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Theory of Reasoned Action is a social-psychological model holding that voluntary behaviour is predicted by behavioural intention, which is shaped by attitudes and subjective norms.
- How does the Theory of Reasoned Action differ from the Theory of Planned Behaviour?
- What are the two determinants of behavioural intention in TRA?
- Why is the Theory of Reasoned Action relevant to UPSC GS Paper IV?
- What is the main limitation of the Theory of Reasoned Action?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Theory of Reasoned Action is a social-psychological model holding that voluntary behaviour is predicted by behavioural intention, which is shaped by attitudes and subjective norms.

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In 2010 Ajzen and Fishbein published the Reasoned Action Approach, extending their original model after decades of public-health studies on smoking and condom use had exposed the limits of predicting behaviour from intention alone.

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