This paper offers a critique of the article: 'Using technology to promote self-efficacy for healthy eating in adolescents' by J.D. Long & K.R. Stevens.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the ability to critically assess a journal article is central to the skills required for advanced nursing. This paper presents a detailed critique of the nursing article "Using Technology to Promote Self-Efficacy for Healthy Eating in Adolescents", by nursing professors JoAnne D. Long and Kathleen R. Stevens. Critique details are broken down into the following sections: introduction, methodology and results.
Outline:
Problem statement
Literature review and theoretical framework
Hypothesis/Variables
Methodology
Design
Threats to internal and external validity
Subjects
Data collection methods/instrumentation
Results
Findings
Interpretation/Conclusions
From the Paper "Threats to internal validity normally are perceived as selection, history, maturation, testing, and instrumentation. Selection threats suggest that those who participated in the control or intervention group have characteristics that differ from those who were not included in the study. There is a possible selection bias given that student were from a school in an undisclosed area of the country, it is unknown whether these were rural or urban youth, from a public or private school or what other variables might affect their level of nutritional, health or independence awareness. History, or the events that happen to students during the course of the study which might affect results, could not be accounted for as all intervention took place in the school setting. Researchers acknowledged they were unable to control for social or family interventions that might run counter to their study goals. Instrumentation, maturation, dropout, and order effects were controlled by researchers directly or through statistical analysis for variance."
A review of the article "Factors of Fruit and Vegetable Intake by Race, Gender and Age Among Young Adolescents" by M.L. Granner, R.G. Sergant, K.S. Calderon, J.R. Hussey, A.E. Evans, and K.W. Watkins.
Abstract This paper critically analyzes the article "Factors of Fruit and Vegetable Intake by Race, Gender and Age Among Young Adolescents" by Granner et. al. The paper explains that although a number of methodological aspects prove problematic, the paper is also confounded by equally serious conceptual errors. The paper looks at the apparent total absence of research hypotheses and notes that the absence of testimonial regarding the benefits of eating healthily also leaves a question mark over whether poor diet is a concern for researchers, or even a problem willing to be explored. The writer believes that the discussion section seems fairly brief for a research topic apparently so broad in scope, but notes that the one notable finding of the Granner et. al. experiment - a high correlation between self-efficacy and snack choice - may be explored in further detail in the future.
From the Paper "The research measures, moreover, provide something of a quandary. The complicated and numerous variables lead to a much more intricate and confusing methodological tapestry than would seem necessary. Measures such as race, age, and gender, and their impact on the food attitudes of adolescents are certainly necessary. However, measures such as "normative beliefs", "outcome expectations" and "modeling" seem a little excessive. Instead, the experimenters conduct something of a dual study of both these dependent variables impacting age, ethnicity and gender, and these former measures again acting as independent variables to fruit and vegetable consumption. If the point of the present research is indeed to examine a relationship between adolescence and poor dietary habits, the variables should be similarly simple."
Tags: health, nutrition, teenagers, snacks, poor, diet, research
Abstract The paper discusses how the prevalence of childhood obesity and related health issues have convinced many legislators and health professionals that food advertising to children is at least partly to blame. The paper relates that children view more commercials aimed at getting them to choose fast food, unhealthy food and sweet foods than nutritious and healthyfood. This is apparent in current ads for chocolate milk, cookies, microwavable french fries and a host of other foods that are tantalizing to children. The paper demonstrates how the advertising industry seeks to make money for their clients, not protect consumers, and until that mentality changes, Americans and their children will continue to be bombarded with advertising that is geared to sell hamburgers rather than encourage a new generation of healthy eaters.
From the Paper "Throughout the past two decades, scientists and researchers have conducted many studies on children's advertising. They found the four most advertised items were toys, cereal, candy, and fast food (Gunter, Oates & Blades 15). A 1999 study found that out of 350 Saturday morning television advertisements, two-thirds were for food children would be attracted to, and the most common was some type of sugary cereal product (Gunter, Oates & Blades 17). Another 1997 study on children and food advertising found "The typical child sees 170 McDonald advertisements on television per year. In 1997, more advertising money $1.4 billion was spent on commercials for food and food products than any other product type" (Johnson, and Young 276). Food is big business, and so is appealing to the tastes of American children."
Abstract The paper outlines the ethical, legal and social issues in food advertising and then discusses the marketing challenges of the healthy fast-food industry. The paper suggests how to incorporate these challenges into a marketing plan and opines that with medical science, ethical values and social concerns on our side, creating a positive marketing campaign to compete with traditional fast food should not be exceptionally difficult to implement.
Outline:
Ethical Issues in Food Advertising
Legal Issues in Food Advertising
Social Issues in Food Advertising
Challenges to the Healthy Fast Food Industry
Incorporating Challenges into a Marketing Plan
From the Paper "Advertising in the United States has come a long way since the era of Hollywood movie stars doing television commercials for Lucky Strikes cigarettes. Nowadays, the ethical component of advertising requires that statements about products be truthful and limits the advertising options available to certain types of products altogether. Alcohol consumption, for example, may no longer be depicted in television advertisements because of its potential to influence young people to emulate what they see on the screen. It is still permissible to advertise fast food products without restrictions of this type, but it is conceivable that in time ethical concerns over the nationwide epidemic of obesity (Gibbs 2007), especially among children, will limit the types of advertisement currently available to the industry."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the food market. According to the paper, trends are moving from fast foods to more healthier, organic foods. The paper also discusses the important role that food plays in the social arena.
Outline:
Introduction
Food Industry Overview: Organic, Fruits and Vegetables, and Fast Food Sectors
Factors in the Changing Tastes of Society: From Fast Food to Organic
How Fast Food Restaurants are Reacting to the Shift to More Organic Foods Conclusion
From the Paper "To remain competitive, fast food restaurants have had to turn to innovative products, often redeveloping their product lines, to meet the changing demands of consumers for organic foods specifically, and healthier foods in general. The demand for organic foods has been the mechanism for industry evolution. As noted, McDonalds phased out their supersize menu items, in response to society's growing health concerns. In addition, they've begun to offer more healthy menu choices, such as low-fat items and fresh salads, to their customers, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles in their marketing campaigns. In the New England area, McDonald's even replaced their coffee with Newman's Own Organic blend, in an attempt to take further advantage of more organically-discriminating tastes of consumers. This move has been well-received in the region . In addition, new fast food restaurants are being introduced to the marketplace, in response to these new consumer demands. Company's like Healthy Express are still relatively small players in the industry, but are slowly garnering market share from their less healthy competitors ."
Abstract The paper relates that although all Americans effect the huge growth of fast food, adolescents play more of a vital role than the average consumer. The paper discusses how teenagers consume fast food, work in fast food restaurants and steal from them too.
From the Paper "Our country loves fast food; there is speedy service with cheap tasty food in over one million restaurants world wide. Though we all love it, we do not like the stories behind it. In 2004, Americans spent over 110 billion dollars on fast food, that's more than higher education, computers, computer software and new cars combined (Scholosser, 3). Teenagers provide a huge role in the fast food industry. Teenagers work at these restaurants, eat at these restaurants, are objects of advertisements by these restaurants and steal from these restaurants more than any other age group. Ever since the age of three more than 75 percent of American children can recognize the face of Ronald McDonald. Since our nation is currently being raised around fast food it is only inevitable that as children grow, they only become more of a part of it everyday."
This paper analyzes the duplicitous nature of advertising in the fast food industry, focusing on the advertisements of three multinational fast food companies, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Long John Silver.
Abstract Fast food advertising has been allowed to profess anything, from the ?healthy quality? of their food to the food company's contribution to homeless kids. While fast food giants are quick to take any of their detractors to court for any erroneous allegations made by members of the public, it doesn?t stop these same companies from committing libel themselves through their promotions. However, most fast food companies steer clear of making outrageous claims such any health benefits, preferring to concentrate on marketing their service's convenience, economy and perceived lifestyle. This paper endeavors to highlight this discrepancy in the industry and showcases three fast food companies and their advertising efforts in that regard.
From the Paper "Fast food outlets have become the messiah for the millions of people out there who don"t have more than five minutes to spare in grabbing a bite to eat or for the millions of mothers desperate for one night of not cooking dinner for the family. There is certainly a lot to choose from. All one has to do is switch on the television, turn on the radio, go to the cinemas or even walk down the street. People from all walks of life are bombarded each and every day with jingles and gimmicks and catchcries, inviting the consumer to partake of their fried or greasy menu. Some appeal to the consumer's need for convenience, others appeal to the consumer's economic constraints, and others appeal to the consumer's perceived utopian lifestyle. Some even go so far as to appeal to the consumer's interest in healthy eating. But are these appeals from fast food conglomerates based on truth or are they just trying to beef up their profits duplicitously" This paper endeavors to explore some claims that fast food companies have made in the past through their advertising. Three fast food giants will also be held under the microscope and studied for any evidence of duplicity through their advertising."
Abstract This paper proposes the development of an organic, pasteurized, health fruit drink. The paper reports how the client, Mapco, has presented a need for a product that would appeal to a large percentage of its customers. This paper shows how the health drink described fits all of the qualifications outlined by the client. The paper also identifies key factors in marketing this health drink and presents a plan for product development.
Outline:
Abstract
Development of an Innovative HealthyFood Product
Production of Tango
Intellectual Property
Government Regulations Regarding Ingredients and Labeling
Consumer Acceptance and Education
Advantages to the Consumer
Advantages to the Manufacturer
Future Directions
Conclusion
From the Paper "The advantages of producing Tango, a nutritious health fruit drink, to the manufacturer, is that the process can actually be more streamlined than a mechanical squeezing processing in terms of plant outfitting and can actually be produced in a relatively inexpensive manner. Contract production will allow favorable pricing of both ingredients and finished product. Sampling will allow for marketing controls and for targeting national and export markets. The product will meet the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), European Union, and other specific certification requirements, so may be exported. The Internet will be considered as a target for purchases, but will mainly be used for advertising the product. Mapco stores will be the exclusive client of this product, and will be the outlet to other organic health food agencies that may elect to sponsor sales of this product, as well. "
Abstract This paper argues that it is the large portion size and calorie content of our meals, rather than eating health-foods versus fast/junk foods, that is the true causative agent of obesity and related health problems in America. The paper bases this proposition on research done in the field of anti-aging which shows extreme life-extension and health benefits in animal and molecular studies when calories are reduced by forty percent from normal. Furthermore, the paper proposes that Americans be educated from a portion-control perspective first and a healthy-foods perspective secondarily.
Tags: Fast Food, Nutrition, McDonald's, Obesity, Anti-Aging, Calorie restriction
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the book "Wellness Foods A to Z" written and published by the University of California Berkeley. The paper discusses the benefits of healthy eating as described in this book and gives a complete overview of what the book contains.
From the Paper "The second part of this book is a guide to vitamins and minerals. It is an a to z profile of various vitamins and minerals that include potential health benefits, recommended intakes, facts about the vitamin or mineral, supplement guidelines, and leading food sources for each vitamin and mineral. It also has a chart showing the latest RDAs. This section of the book is colored coded with blue pages and the vitamins and minerals are listed in alphabetical order, so it is easy to access.
The third part of this book, which is color coded with green pages, is about the basics of wellness foods. It discusses the nutritional bounty in vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. It gives a complete description, related facts, and colored pictures of each of the foods listed in the book. In addition, it also discusses some of the risk related to each food and how to safely prepare and cook each food."
Abstract A paper on the subject of Curran's description of a healthy family. The paper explains that communicating with your family is vital in having a family and teaching family members to respect and trust are important in having a healthy family. The paper concludes with a personal account of a family and how they practice Curran's traits of a healthy family.
Abstract This paper describes the initiative known as Healthy People 2010 undertaken by the US Department of Health and Human Services to promote healthy lifestyles. The paper emphasizes the goals of this program and why it was originally developed. The author states that Healthy People 2010 sets out the goals of the program, while its actual implementation is done through another program known as HealthierUS. The paper further explains that the program's' success depends on the support of local communities. The example of Madison, Wisconsin is used to show how this can be accomplished. The author concludes that this series of programs must be continually reinforced to guarantee their success.
From the Paper " Healthy People 2010 is a multi-faceted program developed to create self-awareness, responsibility, and overall healthy lifestyle choices for all Americans (Healthy People 2010 Homepage). There are two main goals set forth by the program, each containing several sub areas. Firstly, the United States Department of Health and Human Services wishes to extend both life expectancy and increase overall quality of life for all Americans. Secondly, the program aims to eliminate differences in health between the rich and the poor and the able and the disabled. The program aims to reach citizens of all economic levels, treating each person equally within the health care system."
Abstract This paper describes three basic angles of the media's impact on adolescent self-perception. The paper illustrates the media's most positive portrayal of teenagers and its more customary negative angle. It provides real world examples of the state of adolescence in America. The paper explores how and why corporate America and the media affect the nation's children.
Table of Contents
I. Fear is in the TV: Media images of an adolescent world
II. Truth is in the Streets: The rest of the story
III. Autopsy Reports in the Profit Margins: What does Corporate America have to gain?
a. Media Stock in Violence
b. Drug Companies and the New Marketplace
c. Get Tough on Crime (it's easy on the approval ratings)
d. Selling Popularity
IV. I Don?t Want to Be Part of Your World: Self-definition and other underage options
a. Media Complications and Youth Reactions
b. Self-Definition and Viable Options
V. Summary
VI. Sources Used
From the Paper "I began work on this paper with every intention of sticking to traditional subjects. I planned to discuss media portrayal of women and beauty, the formation of high school "cool" through marketing and media pressure, and the legalities of advertising to teenagers. Along the way I expected to discuss such random issues as cartoon characters and smoking campaigns. However, once I actually started my research, an entirely different topic kept popping up over and over again: the negative media portrayal of teenagers and the wholesale selling of violence and mind-altering drugs.
"Multiple school shootings have passed in recent memory. Daily news reports continue to be filled with stories of adolescent murderers and children in adult prisons. The question then presented itself to my mind, how does all this negative media coverage affect the way teens view themselves, and the way in which they interact with the world? Are teens today really more violent, and if so, is that the fault of the entertainment media or some other cause? What is it like to be part of a subculture that takes the brunt of these media scandals? Is it all hype, and does the hype worsen the problem?
Increasingly my other research seemed to pale in comparison to these questions. One day when I was at the library, a boy walked by wearing a Marilyn Manson T-shirt that piqued my interest and made up my mind as to how I should approach this paper. It read: "Is adult entertainment killing our children, or is killing children entertaining our adults?" I set myself the task of answering that question, and further exploring how media messages on violence and group conformity might change the self-perception and self-identification of adolescents, with a focus on the events at Columbine.
There are three basic angles that I felt needed to be explored. First, I attempted to explain the media's most positive portrayal of teenagers and its more customary, negative angle. Then I contrasted these stereotypes with a few real-world truths about the state of adolescence in America. Finally, I tried to explore how and just as importantly, why, corporate America and the general media have affected our children."
This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 9 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper addresses adolescent substance abuse from a scientific standpoint, delving into different theories of addiction, as well as some sociology of adolescence, in order to present the two different factors present in the formation of substance abuse habits in adolescence. These factors are embodied by the disease theory and the psychosocial theory of addiction, which are both explained in the essay.
Abstract This paper explains that research indicates that, in the United States, perceptions factors in the purchase of organic foods relating to food safety concerns are environmental contaminants, disease-causing organisms and pesticide residues. The author points out that useful knowledge for anyone wishing to introduce consumers to organic foods is that the consumer would not perceive much risk in food until after he or she has heard about some problem; however, once that happens, it would be likely that they would make biased judgments. The paper indicates that, in contrast to nutrition knowledge, perceptions about attributes of organic foods, such as importance of nutrition, appear to be good predictors of dietary behavior; therefore, consumer information programs must be careful to reiterated nutrition as a "salient attribute" of organic food if they want to be successful in encouraging consumers to behave in a certain way.
Table of Contents
What is Consumer Behavior?
Factors Affecting Consumer Behavior
What is Perception?
Perceived Risk in Food Price Perception
What are Attitudes?
Willingness to Pay
Resource Deficit Model
Organic Food as a Strategy to Deal with Worries about the Safety and Quality of Food Consumer Buying Decision Process
From the Paper "Dean (1999) investigated three factors-advertising cues-he believed affected consumer perceptions (and therefore behavior) concerning product quality, uniqueness, manufacturer reputation and manufacturer corporate citizenship. It is likely the last of this list would have some effect on consumer behavior regarding organic foods, especially. The three cues Dean investigated were third-party product endorsement, brand popularity and event sponsorship. He found that the popularity cue lacked significant effect; also, he found that the three cues do not interact with each other significantly in forming a basis for consumer perception and arguably behavior."
Tags: reconstructionist, nutrition, perceptions, food-safety, information
