Theoretical Aspects of Smoking Cessation - Essay Example

"Theoretical Aspects of Smoking Cessation" is a well-written example of a paper on addiction.
Throughout the theoretical history of smoking cessation, scholars from multiple disciplines have grappled with a diverse set of interpretations of the understanding of the concept of smoking cessation. (Friedman, L. S., 2006) Much of the theoretical aspects of smoking cessation have been viewed to be atheoretical. However, a review of researches on nursing reveals that smoking cessation was grounded on self-efficacy and transtheoretical models, which are framed from Albert Bandura’s theory of social learning.

Social learning theory suggests that people always depend on others to learn from them. This learning always takes place through modeling and imitation. (Parton, N., 1996) This theory has always been regarded as a connection between the behaviorist and the cognitive learning theories. This is because it encompasses memory, attention, and motivation.

Significance of the theory

The significance of this theory will be brought clear when the study will focus on the 4Ps of behavior, which are; Factors that Propagate, Precipitate, Propagate and Prevent Smoking as a behavior.

Methodology

This section of the paper discusses the overall methodology that the study intends to adopt. Specific areas that the paper intends to cover include; research design, target population, sampling procedures, data collection procedures, and analysis.

Research Design

The study will adopt a descriptive research design, which aims at determining factors affecting smoking cessation. The study will use primary data such as interview schedules and questionnaires. The study will also adopt secondary data such as a review of the studies on smoking cessation, particularly on nursing. Policies that touch on smoking will also be reviewed.

Study Location

The study will take place among Nursing students on Campus.

Target Population of the study and Sample Procedure

The target population will be undergraduate nursing students within the University Campus. From the population of 100 students, the study will focus on 40 students. This will be selected through a stratified sampling of two categories of students; 20 from the second-year class while the other 50 from the third-year students. This is basically to provide information based on the experiences as a result of the length of the stay in the university and also for the convenience of the study. Each of the selected categories will be stratified into two; male and female students. Both strata shall be divided in the ratio of 50:50. This stratification will be done because the population is heterogeneous. Systematic sampling will be used in each stratum in the selection of students to achieve precision, where every fifth student will be selected.

Data Collection Instruments (Instrumentation)

To achieve the objectives of the research, questionnaires will be used to collect data. Secondary data i.e. nursing journals will also be used. The questionnaires will be both closed and open-ended. The questionnaires will be pretested for content validity and reliability. The interview method will be administered to staff to gather more useful information for the study. 

Validity and Reliability of Instruments

To ensure face validity and content validity of the questionnaires, the researcher intends to consult a number of experts in the field of Psychology, Sociology medical, and nursing. For reliability, the researcher will use methodological triangulation. The question will be pilot tested on a number of respondents within the university. Test-Retest reliability method will be used to check the reliability of the instruments. (Creswell, J. W., 2007)