A Weight-Loss Guru Is Offering Free Exercise Training and Diet

question 81

Multiple Choice

A weight-loss guru is offering free exercise training and diet plans for people who want to participate in her program.She finds that 85 percent of the participants who signed up lost an average of 30 pounds in just six months.She then promotes her program as the most effective plan available and promises each participant a weight loss of 20 pounds or more.Is her plan really as effective as she says?

• A) Yes; the study included both diet and exercise as part of the plan.
• B) Yes; the estimated weight loss is a conservative estimate (20 pounds) compared to the mean weight loss for the study (30 pounds).
• C) No; the study should include both men and women.
• D) No; the study is based on a volunteer sample, which may be very different from a randomly selected one.

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Definitions:

Cognitive Distortions

Irrational, flawed, or negative patterns of thinking that can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and a distorted view of the world.

Aaron Beck

A psychiatrist and psychotherapist recognized for pioneering cognitive therapy, especially for his work on cognitive behavior therapy for depression.

Token Economy

A behavior modification system that uses tokens as a form of positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, which can later be exchanged for rewards.

Grooming Habits

Practices and activities related to personal care and cleanliness, including habits for maintaining appearance and hygiene.