Effects of Social Approval Bias on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Author Information
Author(s): Tracy M. Miller, Madiha F. Abdel-Maksoud, Lori A. Crane, Al C. Marcus, Tim E. Byers
Primary Institution: University of Colorado Denver
Hypothesis
Women who believe the study is about measuring fruit and vegetable intake will report higher intakes than those in a control group.
Conclusion
Self-reports of fruit and vegetable intake are significantly influenced by social approval bias.
Supporting Evidence
- Intervention subjects reported consuming 5.2 servings of fruits and vegetables per day compared to 3.7 in the control group.
- 61% of the intervention group reported eating fruits and vegetables on 3 or more occasions the previous day compared to 32% in the control group.
- Adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and education did not significantly change the results.
Takeaway
When people think they're being judged on how healthy they eat, they tend to say they eat more fruits and vegetables than they actually do.
Methodology
A randomized controlled trial comparing self-reported fruit and vegetable intake between an intervention group and a control group.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to social approval affecting self-reported dietary intake.
Limitations
The study was limited to women in Colorado and may not generalize to other populations.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 35-65, primarily Non-Hispanic White, with varying education levels.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.5 to 6.2
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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