title: Applying social cognitive career theory to registered dietitian research involvement: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of a social cognitive career theory (SCCT)-based educational intervention combined with an evidence-based practice (EBP) continuing professional education (CPE) program (standard-plus group) as compared to the EBPCPE program alone (standard group) and a no-treatment control on research outcome constructs (research self-efficacy, research outcome expectations, research interest and research involvement) in dietitians.
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomized controlled trial measured the effect of an online 14-week educational intervention, with measurements made pre- and post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. A randomly selected list of registered dietitians (RDs), who reported clinical nutrition as their primary practice area, was obtained from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Subjects (n=580) were randomly assigned to three study groups, and 47.2% (n=272) completed data collection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The treatment effect between the groups was significantly different for research self-efficacy (p<0.001) and research involvement (p=0.005), with positive effects observed in the standard-plus and standard groups. There were no significant effects for research outcome expectations and research interest.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first known application of SCCT to RD research involvement as a career-related behavioral outcome, and it demonstrated that a significant increase in research self-efficacy occurs following participation in an educational intervention on EBP.
authors.affiliation: Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, 126 Cuddy Hall, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. Tel 907-786-6597, fax 907-786-1402. cdking@uaa.alaska.edu.
authors.forename: Carrie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Byham-Gray
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Parrott
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan Maillet
authors.forename: Melissa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Splett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D064686:Nutritionists / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors