Question

ethical implications of using theory to predict and control behavior.  

Answer 1

Ethical Implications of using theory to predict and control behaviour:

Ethics is the study of principles relating to right and wrong conduct or it is the standards that govern the conduct of a person especially a member of a profession. Ethical Implications are the consequences of  certain actions in the area of ethics. A theory is a coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena . In many professions , including Health profession, they use theories to predict and control behaviour.  

Theories are used to predict and control behaviour. Prediction is necessary in Health research. In many scenarios we can use theories to predict and control behaviour. Example for predicting behaviour : Leadership theories are explaining the different behaviours of leaders and classified them on the basis o f their dealing with their followers. If we know one particular leader is in a category of ' Democratic or participatory leader' , we can predict how will be his dealing with his team members or to followers. If the followers know 'in which category their leader is' , they can control their behaviour according to it.

Behavioural theories predicts human behaviours and we can make use of this theory to control the human behaviours. According to Skinner's theory positive reinforcement can make the individual to repeat the same behaviour. A student, who gets a special prize for getting highest mark in exams, may try next time also to get highest mark to get the prize. An alcoholic, who used to get a ' false Euphoria' may repeat drinking habit to get the same Euphoric feeling.

Theories are evolved after the continous observations of many phenomena, behaviours, results of certain actions or experiments etc. They are proven hypothesis. So most of the times , theory can be used to predict and control behaviour. In health care professions , many theories are useful in predicting and controlling the behaviour of patients, co workers , employers and communities. Germ theory proposed that germs or microorganisms are responsible for causing most of the diseases and the healthcare workers of that age started barrier precautions like hand washing or proper hand hygiene before touching the patient. Today also this theory or knowledge in its advanced form controls the behaviour or actions of Health care workers.