CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Projects In-Progress
Food Choice Priorities and Preferences in College Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Biology
Minor
Accounting
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Megan St. Peters
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Food is necessary for basic survival, but food choices in the United States are also driven by a multitude of other competing factors. In college students, food choices can be influenced by the options available at university dining facilities, concerns of body image and / or nutritional value, emotions, and social activities. The current study will use a survey to explore what factors college students report are important in their food choices, food preferences, and if there is a relationship between the two. Data will be analyzed to determine the greatest factor that drives food choice in college students and top food group preferences. The main two goals of the study are to 1) quantify food choice priorities and food preferences in college students and 2) assess knowledge of food group recommendations, per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Ultimately, this study aims to determine what food choice priority best predicts the most popular food category in college students. Such knowledge can be used to guide solutions that encourage healthier eating habits and outcomes for students at Murray State University.
Keywords: food psychology, food choices, food preferences, recommendations
Fall Scholars Week 2023 Event
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Food Choice Priorities and Preferences in College Students
Food is necessary for basic survival, but food choices in the United States are also driven by a multitude of other competing factors. In college students, food choices can be influenced by the options available at university dining facilities, concerns of body image and / or nutritional value, emotions, and social activities. The current study will use a survey to explore what factors college students report are important in their food choices, food preferences, and if there is a relationship between the two. Data will be analyzed to determine the greatest factor that drives food choice in college students and top food group preferences. The main two goals of the study are to 1) quantify food choice priorities and food preferences in college students and 2) assess knowledge of food group recommendations, per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Ultimately, this study aims to determine what food choice priority best predicts the most popular food category in college students. Such knowledge can be used to guide solutions that encourage healthier eating habits and outcomes for students at Murray State University.
Keywords: food psychology, food choices, food preferences, recommendations