Behavior Theories and Apps
Use the theories discussed in the readings to assess health behavior apps/devices. Use two behavior change or behavior monitoring apps (or devices) for a week. These can be tools like a FitBit, the health-related apps on an Apple watch, the app MyFitnessPal, or another exercise, meal, relaxation, sleep, or mental health app on your phone or other device. In the paper, compare the two tools you used. Discuss their strengths and weaknesses. Include the following components as part of the comparisons in the report: Use the following headings in bold in the paper. -Overview What agency or company created each app? Describe whether these institutions and their technology are trustworthy or not and why. Investigate the apps’ ethics and policies around your data and how/if they keep users information secure. -Strategy Identification Describe the behavior change theory/theories you think are used in the apps/devices and which features are theoretically-based. Be sure to cite the theoretical evidence that explains the rationale. Identify a related theory and specifically explain how this theory relates to a function of each app. It is not enough to simply mention a theory and a feature of the app. Think about the theory and draw a conclusion as to how a construct or component of the theory explains how a feature of the app motivates the user toward behavior change or tracking/management of health. Compare and Contrast Describe at least two similarities between the two apps. Describe at least two differences between the two apps and the benefits or issues with each. -Results Explain the results of using the apps for a week, the perceived effect on your personal wellness, the barriers you encountered, factors that influenced the change, and the why the apps were or were not successful. -Recommendations Identify at least one recommendation for the improvement of each app with reasoning as to why that recommendation was made. Everything should be done in APA Format