Visual perception of body size and weight – participants needed!

Researchers in the School of Psychology are looking for males and females aged 18-45 years old, with no current diagnosis or history of an eating disorder, to take part in a body size perception study. The aim of this study to identify the smallest difference in body mass index (BMI) that people can detect. This data can be used to create body scales for use in future body image research.

What will the study involve?
1. Body size perception task – you will be shown pairs of images with same-sex computer generated bodies on the computer screen and you will be asked to indicate which body you think is the larger of the two.
2. Body measurements – chest, waist, hip and bicep circumferences using a tape measure (you can do this yourself) and body composition using a bio-impedance scale (please note that if you have any electrical implants i.e. a pacemaker, you cannot use this device).
3. Psychological questionnaires – this will include answering questionnaires about body image, eating habits, self-esteem and wellbeing.

The experiment will take approximately 60-90 minutes to complete. This can be completed in one session or split into two for convenience.

Upon completion of the study participants can chose to enter our draw to win a £20 Amazon voucher.

For more information or to arrange a time to take part, please contact either Nadia Maalin (nmaalin@lincoln.ac.uk) or Sophie Mohamed (smohamed@lincoln.ac.uk).

This study ‘Visual perception of body size and weight’ has received a favourable ethical opinion by a University Research Ethics Committee (PSY181949).