Chapter 2: Evaluating Nutrition Information

Step 4 of the Scientific Method

design studies, perform test, and collect data

A possible explanation for an observation that guides scientific research is called ________.

hypothesis

Step 1 of Scientific Method

make observation that generate questions

Step 5 of Scientific Method

analyze data and draw conclusions based on the results

Step 7 of Scientific Method

conduct more research, the results of which may confirm or refute previous findings

Responsible scientists will not accept a novel hypothesis as fact until ________.

repeated testing the findings

Many variables can influence the outcome of an experiment. What research technique specifically allows scientists to determine whether the results of an experiment were influenced by the treatment itself or by variables that were not actually being tested?

Include a control group in the research design

data

information gathered from observations

conventional wisdom

tradition

Which U.S. government agency regulates nutrition and health-related claims on product labels

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

True or False? To become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), a person has to earn at least a bachelor's degree in an approved or accredited plan of study and then complete a supervised practice program.

True

Luisa is overweight and has a condition called prediabetes. She would like to locate a nutrition professional to help her lose weight. Which professional title should she seek to ensure that she will obtain reliable advice from a college-trained health care professional who has extensive knowledge of foods, nutrition, and dietetics?

a registered dietitian nutritionist who counsels patients in a hospital clinic

experiment

a systematic way of testing a hypothesis

Step 6 of Scientific Method

share results with peers (report findings)

Step 2 of Scientific Method

Formulate a hypothesis to explain events

What are the steps that are required to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

earn(at minimum) a bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietetics; complete a supervised practice program; and pass a national registration exam

Anecdotes

personal reports concerning a treatment's effectiveness

Step 3 of Scientific Method

review current scientific literature (published studies) that relate to the question

The Nurses' Health Studies are a set of ongoing investigations that began in 1976 to study the long-term effects of oral contraceptives. The study subjects were not assigned to any treatment, but over the years, researchers collected a large amount of data regarding the nurses' health as well as their diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle practices. The study subjects were not assigned to any experimental treatment, but over the years, researchers have collected biological specimens and a vast quantity of data regarding diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. The Nurses' Health Studies are best described as ________.

prospective cohort studies