Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
Fall 11-28-2026
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Psychological Science, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Linda Jones
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Many people at college age have a general understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet, but even knowing nutritional guidelines exist does not necessarily mean it is easily translated to practical use (Werner & Betz, 2022). The current study examines the differences between Nutrition knowledge in college students and their food choices. College students were surveyed and required to demonstrate what they believed a healthy “well-rounded” plate looks like. This plate included a protein, fat, and carbohydrate or vegetable element. The participants were randomly placed into two groups. One group was presented with a short presentation going over basic nutrition information before assembling their plate. The other group was not given the nutrition information before assembling their plate. It was hypothesised that participants who received the nutrition information would create a better “well-rounded” plate than those who did not receive the nutrition information. In past research there have been studies where students state understanding of nutritional guidelines, but when surveyed, none of the students were able to answer the nutrition questions with complete accuracy (Werner, E., & Betz, H. H. 2022). Results will be presented at SURS. Limitations such as small sample size and task simplicity were noted. Further studies should recruit larger, more diverse samples and explore more complex topics in nutrition to better understand the knowledge of nutrition information in college students.
Recommended Citation
miller, claire a., "Bridging Knowledge and Behavior: Nutrition Knowledge and Food Choices Among College Students" (2026). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 342.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/342
