¶ … food's serving size influence the amount of food consumed by obese, normal weight, and/or underweight subject? Are certain individuals more susceptible to the environmental cues provided by portion servings than others?
Why significant: the rise in obesity has become an issue of great health concern in our society. Psychological as well as physical issues contribute to this condition, and one concern is the 'supersizing' of portions, especially in restaurants as individuals eat more food outside the home prepared by others. When given a larger portion for a meal, do individuals consume more than they do when a normal portion is given -- and are certain individuals more susceptible to this tendency.
Identify the major variables involved: Portion size and tendency to over-consume based upon subject's body weights.
Study design: Subjects of varying body size will be served a portion of food they deem to be desirable. A predetermined questionnaire will solicit information about each subject's BMI (body mass index) which will require the subject to give information about his or her height, weight, gender and age. Subjects will be informed that they will be asked to take place in a 'taste test' of various foods. Subjects will be grouped according to BMI, with equal portions of obese, normal, and underweight individuals in each study group. In one group, the serving size will be deemed normal, the other several times a normal portion size, according to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommendations. The degree to which subjects finish their portions will then be measured. Subjects will fill out a questionnaire afterwards about the 'taste test,' and one question will be if the portion size was too much/not enough/just right.
Classify each variable
Stimulus: Portion size of a desired food
Behavioral: Over/normal/under eating
Organismic: Portion size
Independent: Amount consumed
Determine whether or not the research question represents basic or applied research:
You’re 80% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.