PY2107 Experimental Investigation and Analysis of Behaviour: Fitspiration Study

One of the primary objectives of this subject is for you to be able to apply basic knowledge to the design and analysis of experiments. You will be provided with a description of a study and a corresponding dataset. Using the skills that you learn throughout the trimester you will have to analyse the dataset and write up a research report as if for publication in a scientific journal.

Your report must contain all the relevant sections, as set out in the APA publication manual: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and References. The report should be 2000 words +/- 10% (excluding the reference list and appendices).

Study Background

“Fitspiration” is an online trend in which social media users post diet- and exercise-related images, ostensibly to motivate followers to pursue a healthy lifestyle. For example, a fitspiration post might feature an athlete exercisingalongside a motivational quote such as “No pain, no gain.” However, fitspiration content often emphasises appearance, frequently presenting sexualised images of unrealistically attractive individuals (Alberga et al., 2018). This has raised concerns about its potential impact on viewers’ body image. In one study, Tiggemann and Zaccardo (2015) randomly assigned female undergraduate students to view either Instagram fitspiration images or control images (travelrelated Instagram posts). Those who viewed fitspiration images reported greater body dissatisfaction. Similar findings have been reported in other studies of young women (Prichard et al., 2018; Rounds & Stutts, 2021).

Current Study

You are part of a research team aiming to extend this work in several ways.

First, Tiggemann and Zaccardo (2015) note that their two-group design made it difficult to know which component of the fitspiration image (the model or the inspirational quote) impact body dissatisfaction. To address this, your team has included three experimental conditions: fitspiration images with text, fitspiration images without text, and control (travel) images.

Second, your team wants to know if a similar effect would be observed among males. Thus, your study has sampled both male and female participants.

Third, Vendemia and DeAndrea (2018) found that participants who believe that Instagram images are frequently modified (e.g., through Photoshop or beauty filters) report less body dissatisfaction following exposure to such images. Accordingly, your team is also interested to know whether highlighting the use of photo editing might change the effect on fitspiration images on body image dissatisfaction.

Your job is to conduct a factorial ANOVA to assess the effect of image type and one other IV (gender OR image editing warning) on body dissatisfaction. You should have at least one hypothesis per IV.

You are not required to do any additional analyses beyond the factorial ANOVA (outside of generating descriptive statistics and assumption testing).

You will also be required to determine what kind of sample size would be needed to have adequate power to run this study. Tiggemann and Zaccardo (2015) found their image manipulation to have a medium-to-large effect on body satisfaction. You are advised to err on the side of caution and plan for a medium-sized effect.

Footnotes. 

If an assumption has been violated you are only expected to note the violation in your write-up.

You are not expected to perform any kind of data transformation to address assumption violations.

Methodological Information

Information on how the study variables were measured is summarised below.

The JCU Human Research Ethics Committee granted approval to conduct the study. Participants were recruited through advertisements on bulletin boards at the Australian and Singapore campuses of JCU, the SONA pool of psychology student participants, and an email sent to university staff.

The study was run online using the software program Qualtrics. This video provides an overview of how randomisation to groups can be performed in Qualtrics. You do not have to know the ins and outs of this procedure, but it may help you understand how random assignment is carried out in Qualtrics.

The order in which study elements were presented is as follows:

1. Information sheet (which indicated that participation may be asked about their body image)
2. Informed consent questions
3. Image editing warning presented (if applicable condition)
4. Stimulus images presented
5. Body image measure and demographic questions (including gender)
6. Debrief in which participants were thanked (participants were provided with information on counselling services should they feel distressed by the study).

In exchange for their participation, participants were entered into the draw to win a $50 gift card to a campus café. Student participants also received SONA participation credits. 

Psychology Assignment Answers: Expert Answers on Above Fitspiration Study

Introduction

The main focus of analysis in the study is on examining the ways in which fitspiration images on Instagram impact body satisfaction with specific emphasis on the role of image type and gender. The participants in the study take into consideration one of the three conditions such as fitspiration with text, fitspiration without text or control images. In order to analyse the main and interaction effects of image type and gender or editing warning on body satisfaction scores, a factorial ANOVA test was performed.

Hypotheses

The hypotheses considered for the study are:
1) Fitspiration images lead to lower body satisfaction among participants as compared to those viewing control images.
2) females would be adversely affected compared to males.
3) a higher body satisfaction among participants who viewed photo editing warnings compared to those without a warning.

Results

In accordance with the findings by Tiggemann & Zaccardo (2015), the body satisfaction is significantly reduced from showing fitspiration images emphasising physical appearance. The sensitivity is greater among females and there are negative effects from image editing warnings.
Sample size: There are 128 participants participating in the study which provides medium effect size and sufficient power analysis.

Conclusion

The findings from the study leads to the conclusion that the exposure to fitspiration content can harm body image especially within women. These negative outcomes can be addressed effectively by way of incorporating editing disclaimers and promoting body positive content.

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