Rate of Consumption and Number of Bites Versus Dining Environment

The purpose of the research study is to determine whether dining experience (solitary versus social) impacts an individual's rate of ingestion, number of bites taken, and chews per bite when consuming solid food. Fifteen female undergraduate and graduate participants were observed in two trials; solitary and social dining experiences. Researchers observed the total amount of time it took to consume a cheeseburger and recorded the start/end time, the total number of bites taken, and the number of chews per bite. The experimental design for this research study is quasi-experimental. Results of this experiment will allow for a better understanding of dining environments impact on a person’s eating habits.