Evaluation of health education programs has depended primarily on a behavioral approach, emphasizing quantitative assessment of knowledge and attitudes about health. The success of health programs can be explained more fully if, in addition, a qualitative approach is used to help determine why people adopt good health behaviors. (PP)

College freshmen wrote behavior contracts detailing changes they would make in their lifestyles as part of a personal health course, while control group students wrote a term paper. Students who wrote behavior contracts showed greater gains in health knowledge during the semester than did control group students. (PP)

A course dealing with the health beliefs of Hispanics, American Indians, and Anglo Americans was developed at the University of New Mexico. An ethnically diverse class visited different cultural settings in the Southwest to study beliefs about religion, nutrition, folk medicine, and other customs affecting health practices. (PP)

The problem of productivity in evaluative research is addressed from three perspectives in health education. Two perspectives are scientific, while the third is practical and deals with the implementation of evaluative research. This third perspective is illustrated through an example of a health education program about sexually transmitted…

Qualitative methods can play a significant role in both formative and summative evaluations. There are at least six functions of qualitative methods in evaluation. Tables and figures present information on characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods, selected qualitative evaluation models, and a checklist of evaluation situations for…

The publication of original research allows for the authentication of knowledge and its addition to the existing database in health education. A list through which health educators can find information on research includes such sources as card catalogs, indexing and abstracting services, automated databases, government publications, and…

Health education researchers have occasionally used measuring tools inappropriately. Test validity and the use of criterion-referenced tests are discussed in view of this need to improve health education research. Also described are handbooks containing measuring devices for the use of health education researchers. (CJ)

The many uses of microcomputers in health education and health education research are described. The flexibility, versatility, and easy use of microcomputers is discussed. (CJ)

Described are some of the national health related databases which are useful in conducting health education research. Among areas covered by the projects are hypertension, myocardial infarction, neighborhood health centers, alcoholism, and over the counter drugs. (CJ)

The behavioral approach to health education described in this article has the potential to facilitate a decrease in the prevalence and incidence of some diseases. The techniques of positive reinforcement, modeling, self control, and stimulus control are described. (CJ)

A theoretical model for understanding motivation of plaque control is presented. The belief in this model is that, if people can be convinced of their ability to control a health threat, they would be encouraged to take responsibility for their health. (CJ)

Health education issues that need intensive examination concern: (1) future of the profession and of its individuals members; (2) work settings; (3) leadership within the profession; (4) professional education; and (5) professional associations. A task force should produce answers, definitions, and guidelines that are acceptable to the profession…

When controversial issues are being taught in the school curriculum, a key element in maintaining positive school-community relations is the possession of clear, written procedures for adoption, re-evaluation, and grievance procedures relating to the curriculum. Guidelines for handling complaints and clarifying rights of school staff, parents,…

More attention should be given to the ethical dimensions of health promotion. This paper reviews the general purpose of health promotion, discusses two cases in terms of potential ethical questions, and presents principles which may help readers to evaluate the moral dimensions of their work. (CJ)

The issue of the degree to which behavioral objectives and behavior change should be emphasized in health education is discussed. Topics included in the discussion concern the health educator's responsibilities and accountability, needs for behavioral sciences in health education, the behaviorism controversy, and dissemination of behavioral…