ARTICLE CRITIQUE: “USING ATTRIBUTION THEORY TO EXPLORE THEREASONS ADULTS WITH HEARING LOSS DO NOT USE THEIR HEARING AIDS”

By Joel Furches

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine and ask probing questions about a study which utilized Attribution Theory. This paper finds that the purpose of the study was to assess a socially relevant question: why adults with hearing loss frequently fail to take advantage of hearing aid technology. The variables under examination were internal and external attributions for the behavior according to an attribution theory framework. This paper finds the form of measurement to be valid, as it utilized a method of measurement with a history of success in the field. The study uses Attribution Theory and identifies nine factors which explain the failure to take advantage of hearing aids. Four of these factors were internal, including a perceived lack of necessity, the fear of being stigmatized, a failure to integrate the technology into daily life, and being uniformed. It identified five external causes which included the fact that hearing aids were uncomfortable, unaffordable, burdensome, not trustworthy, and not high on the list of priorities. This article asks if these findings can be applied to some practical interventions for the improvement of social concerns, and finds that it can in the means by which it informs the healthcare industry and physician’s approach to patient’s concerns.

Keywords: psychology, research