Attitude-behavior consistency, the principle of compatibility, and organ donation: A classic innovation.
OBJECTIVE
The lack of consistency between peoples' attitudes toward organ donation and organ donation registration behavior has long perplexed scholars. Ajzen and Fishbein's principle of compatibility offers a potential explanation for the attitude-behavior discrepancy. This principle states that attitudes will better predict behavior if the specificity of a measured attitude matches the specificity of the behavior under consideration.


METHODS
Two studies, using different samples and different modes of data collection, measured general attitudes toward organ donation and specific attitudes toward registering as a donor, while simultaneously offering a registration opportunity.


RESULTS
Compared with general attitudes about organ donation, attitudes specific to organ donor registration were superior predictors of registration intentions and behaviors. Specific attitudes explained at least 70% more variance in registration behaviors than general attitudes.


CONCLUSIONS
The lack of attitude-behavior consistency in the organ donor domain can be partially explained by limited compliance with the principle of compatibility.
School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation, Claremont Graduate University.
Jason T
JT
Siegel
School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation, Claremont Graduate University.
Mario A
MA
Navarro
School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation, Claremont Graduate University.
Cara N
CN
Tan
Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University.
Melissa K
MK
Hyde
D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*