Arash Wants to Examine the Relationship Between Stress and Eating

question 15

Multiple Choice

Arash wants to examine the relationship between stress and eating when someone is on a diet. He recruits an equal number of male and female participants to respond to a questionnaire about their eating habits, their typical mood, and their overall anxiety levels. Arash ensures half of his male participants and half of his female participants are on a diet and the other half are not. After the questionnaire, all participants are randomly assigned to complete one of two tasks. Half of the participants solve a difficult math problem in front of a group of math professors within a certain time limit. The other participants solve a simple arithmetic problem in a waiting area alone, with no time limit. After they perform the task, all participants are asked to complete one more questionnaire about their stress level while sitting next to a box of Timbits. Arash tells the participants to help themselves to the Timbits, and secretly counts how many Timbits the participant actually eats.
-Which of the following is the most likely to be a hypothesis for Arash's experiment

• A) If someone is on a diet they will eat more when they are stressed.
• B) Food and stress are positively correlated.
• C) There is no difference between participants who are and those who are not in a diet.
• D) Stress is the primary reason why people break their diets.

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Definitions:

Neural Connections

The links between neurons in the brain and nervous system, through which they communicate via electrical and chemical signals.

Meditation

Mental series of exercises meant to refocus attention and achieve a trancelike state of consciousness.

Mental Exercises

Activities designed to improve cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.

Trancelike State

A state of deep relaxation or hypnosis in which an individual may be more open to suggestions and less aware of their surroundings.