Mindless Eating Project Breana Figueroa, Jacob Carney, Hunter Purcell, Alexandra Cequeria

Describe the topic and methods of the mini research study. We are researching the idea of aesthetic value in making food choices and purchases. We are using two photos of food and asking our participants opinion- based questions about the photos. Participants were asked to choose between the two pictures which one they would prefer to eat and which one would taste better. They were also asked about how much would you pay for each dish to see if aesthetic value impacted assumed price value.

Data SLIDES PREFER A PREFER B PROFESSIONAL PHOTO AVERAGE OF A AVERAGE OF B 1 5 6 A $14.36 12.5 2 B 6.09 4.78 3 5.68 6.77 4 2.86 3.68 5.36 6.73 5.09 7.09 7 3.27 8 10 1.73 2.7 9 3.86 2.09 2.68

Why is researching this particular topic and research relevant to the general population? We are researching this topic because in Wansink’s theories, he has proven that aesthetics plays a major role in food appeal. We want to see how it affects a person’s decision-making when it comes to food choices. Wansink gave an example where he suggested that if you give a person with a piece of cake on a paper plate and then gave them the same type of cake, but on a glass plate that it will taste better. Wansink believes the brain uses aesthetic appeal to contribute to the taste sensations and judgement when it comes to food. We want to test this idea and see if not only did the aesthetically pleasing photos seem more appealing, but if the participants would be more willing to pay more than that food.

Who was studied? The general population that was studied were students attending Longwood University ranging from 18 years old to 21 years old. They were randomly picked and had no previous knowledge of the experiment beforehand.

What was the hypothesis? People will find the professionally taken photo more appealing and be willing to pay more money.

State the study’s methods. Materials: -A slideshow with pairs of pictures -Each subject was shown each slide and asked to pick the food they would choose, which one they thought would taste better, and how much they would pay for both.

What were the findings of the research? For the most part, the results are even in favor of both pictures. Many of the slides had approximately even votes for both pictures. The subjects also tended to price the food in the professional photos at a slightly higher value than the food that was not. However, based on the results of food preference, the subjects did not base their preference on their estimated price.

Were results similar throughout the subjects tested? Why or why not? The results were split almost evenly among the subjects. For most of the slides, half chose option A and half chose option B. With the exception of slides nine and ten, there was not a picture that stood out as more appealing than the other.

Did the findings match the hypothesis? Why or why not? The results did not match the hypothesis. The data proved that there was no significant correlation between the aesthetics of the picture and which one people preferred.

What observations/opinions can you make regarding the results and the Longwood University population? It can be concluded that Longwood Students usually do not pick what food they prefer based on if it looks aesthetically pleasing. Longwood students do not limit their preference of food based on price as well.

How can these results help to change “Mindless Eating?” Although the results proved that Longwood students do not have a significant preference for the aesthetic of food, the data demonstrated Longwood students’ understanding of price range. These results can help students’ understanding of “mindless eating” by keeping closer attention to the price of food and the health benefits- or detriments- that they are really paying for.