Theme 2: Theory

1.      A theory could be defined as a consistent statement which probably contains a lot of abstract terms which can´t be translated into empirical measures. Often many theories embrace propositions regarding causality which answer on questions like why the theory is important. In addition the structure of a theory has to be identified and mentioned why it´s significant in a certain circumstance and the relationship among different structures must be acknowledged and later testable during the method.[1]

Basically, theory is not:

·         Lists of references which isn´t explained why they are being mentioned within the particular context.

·         Information which only illustrates empirical patterns and don´t tell us the causality.

·         Variables without connections to the intention of the study.

·         Diagrams which don´t tell us the purpose why they are being shown.

·         Hypothesis which answers on a question like what and not why something is predictable to happen.

2.      First of all I chose the Journal which is called Health Communication. The purpose of the journal is to improve practical communication between doctors and patients and between institutions and the public. 5 year impact factor: 1,763.

I chose the paper and study Design and Evaluation of a Computer Game to Promote a Healthy Diet for Young Adults whose intention is to empirically test whether a computer game equipped with features like tailoring and role playing can be an effective guide for nutrition education and weight management involvement.

The theory is a typical type V which means it´s about design and action; basically because the main focus of the work is on design as an activity and design theory according to Gregor is often used in knowledge management systems.[2] In this case the health promotion program is supposed to help users with information and personally adapted feedback, attitudes and behaviors with the purpose to highlight the importance about healthy eating. For instance optimal weight and suggested daily calorie consumption is shown for the player and the mission is to reach those levels as soon as possible and stimulate to do something similar if necessary in your real life.

3.      Besides from the prescriptions for building an artifact the theory becomes in my opinion more concrete while it´s being mentioned in a practical context, which perhaps in turn makes it easier to use and explain other theories.

To promote and strengthen the health message within the game, a lot of different secondary theories like intrinsic motivation, social cognitive theory, health belief model and theory of reasoned action were used. These theories where carefully described why they were appropriate under these circumstances concerning game structure- and content design.

-          Intrinsic motivation was used as an element of fun and gave the player food knowledge in a fun game environment.

-          Social cognitive theory was used through the game to provide plain goals for the player to achieve.

-          Health Belief Model was used to form a discussion of perceived benefits and obstructions by showing a dialogue between the player and the nonplayer characters.

-          Theory of Reasoned Action. A certain background story where the player is a competitor in a reality TV show together with the frequently used dialog was used as a social norm and a positive attitude towards healthy eating.

One of the limitations of the theory may be like some proponents are arguing about[3] the promotion of design science as a research activity. However like I said before I believe that the theory design and action may be the best way to create a concrete and understandable view for the reader what the study is all about. 

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Gregor, Shirley, ”The nature of theory in information systems” [1] p. 615,[2] p. 629, [3]  p. 633.