Running head: IS IT FUN OR EXERCISE?

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER

Is it Fun or Exercise? The Framing of Physical Activity Biases Subsequent

Snacking: A Critical Analysis Paper

Lesley C. Knapp

California State University Monterey Bay

IST520 Learning Theories

Professor Tourtellotte

Mar 28, 2017

IS IT FUN OR IS IT EXERCISE? A CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction.................................................................3

Purpose.............................................................................3

Hypothesis and Objective...................................................3

Research Procedures.....................................................4

Participants and Measurements..........................................4

Clarity and Appropriateness...............................................5

Research Results..........................................................5

Statistical Techniques and Meaningful Variables............Error!

Bookmark not defined.

Discussion of Results....................................................5

Support the Findings.....................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Summary......................................................................6

Personal and Academic Community Value............................6

References...................................................................6
IS IT FUN OR IS IT EXERCISE? A CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER 3

Is it Fun or Exercise? The Framing of Physical Activity Biases Subsequent

Snacking: A Critical Analysis Paper

Introduction

Can your views and the way you approach exercise influence the number of

calories you consume post workout? Researchers from the Cornell University Food and

Brand Lab believe so. To test this theory, they conducted two experimental studies and

one observational study on two groups of random individuals to determine if framing

exercise in a positive way can prevent post exercise diet sabotage. I am only going to

analyze the second experimental study in this paper, because it is the one I can most

easily recreate in my own line of work. In this study, participants who perceived physical

activity as fun (a 1-mile scenic walking tour vs. a 1-mile exercise walk) consumed less

candy after exercising and reported greater energy levels and an overall more positive

experience than those who saw the activity as a workout.

Purpose

The stated purpose of this study is to examine how changing perceptions of

physical activity through framing can impact subsequent food consumption (Werle,

Wansink and Payne, 2015). Researchers referred to the delay of gratification theory

and the activity engagement theory, which propose that exercisers who are distracted by

fun activities report more enjoyable experiences and better tolerate increased levels of

training (Higgins, 1990; Wickerman, 2012).

IS IT FUN OR IS IT EXERCISE? A CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER 4

Hypothesis and Objective

The researchers hypothesized that labeling an activity as fun may reduce the

likelihood to compensate with food as a reward (2015), because the activity itself is

rewarding. I observed a slightly negative bias regarding the subjects due to the age of the

individuals chosen for the assessment and the fact that the group consisted of 87%

women with sedentary jobs. If a more diverse group of individuals was chosen for the

study, I believe the results would be more credible and applicable to a wider variety of

people. However, the researchers did make a convincing case that a research hypothesis

was important to the study, as evidence suggests that people tend to reward themselves

after exercise with food, so reframing may change the outcome (2015).

Research Procedures

Participants and Measurements

This was a quantitative study because the researchers used surveys and food

scales to collect measurable data from two different groups of people. However, the

sampling procedures in the study did not represent a wide enough population. Forty-six

administrative staff members at a Northeastern university, consisting of 87% women,

with an average age of 44.35 were selected as participants. This study was conducted

outdoors and consisted of a 1-mile walk. One group was told that they would be

participating in an exercise walk while the other group was told that they were going on a

sightseeing walk. At six different points along the route, group one (the exercise group)

was asked to rate their energy levels. However, group two (the fun sightseeing group)

was asked to observe and evaluate six different points along the route. At the end of the

walk, each participant was given a Ziploc bag to fill with M&Ms as a thank you gift. The
IS IT FUN OR IS IT EXERCISE? A CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER 5

M&Ms were served in 1-gallon size serving bowls and each participant used the same

quarter cup scoop to fill their bag. The bags were then unknowingly weighed and the

calories were calculated. The results showed that the individuals in the exercise group

took an average of 372.2 calories worth of M&Ms, over twice as many as those in the

fun group, who took an average of 166.2 calories worth (2015).

Clarity and Appropriateness

The research procedures were appropriate and clearly described and could easily

be replicated by others. In fact, I am eager to perform a similar study as I create my

Capstone. The only part of the study I was not clear on was how they determined the

exertion level of the participants, other than by survey questions. It may be that the fun

group of participants took more time and walked more leisurely when they were told it

was a sightseeing walk and therefore were not as hungry at the end. I think a way to

ensure that participants are exerting the same amount of energy is to have them wear a

heart rate monitor or something similar to a Fit Bit.

Research Results

Based on my limited knowledge of this type of research, I believe that statistical

techniques were used correctly. The researchers ensured standardization in regards to the

size of the scoop used for the M&Ms and they also ensured that participants complete the

physical activity and M&M scooping on their own, so their emotions or consumption

were not influenced by other participants. The variable (candy) emerged in a meaningful

way and provided evidence to support the idea that those who viewed exercise as the

reward were less likely to self-license and treat themselves to an excess of M&Ms

(Self-licensing, 2017).
IS IT FUN OR IS IT EXERCISE? A CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER 6

Discussion of Results

The results of this study support the original hypothesis that framing an activity as

fun can change the way a person eats after exercising. These results also support the

activity engagement theory and determine that as long as the activity itself is rewarding

and enjoyable, there is no need to compensate with something enjoyable afterwards. The

researchers drew reasonable implications for practice from the findings because this

study can be recreated easily in everyday life. Presenting the results to the participants

and to the public can to influence people to make physical activity fun by sightseeing,

geocaching, or talking with friends in order to help them reach their fitness goals without

self sabotaging by consuming excess calories afterward.

Summary

Personal and Academic Community Value

This study was very eye opening and has tremendous value to me as a personal

trainer. These results will remind me to keep my training sessions fun and rewarding

instead of grueling and painful. When creating my Capstone I will now emphasize the

importance of working out because you love your body, not because you hate it.

Spreading this simple phrase throughout the fitness community can reframe the way

people look at exercise and will encourage them to find activities that they love and that

make them feel strong, confident, and proud.

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References

Higgins, E. T., & Trope, Y. (1990). Activity engagement theory: Implications of multiply

identifiable input for intrinsic motivation.

Lickerman, A. (2012). The Power Of Delaying Gratification. Retrieved March 27, 2017,

from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201207/the-

power-delaying-gratification

Self-licensing. (2017, March 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March

23, 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Self-

licensing&oldid=771078863

Wansink, B. (2015). Is it fun or exercise? The framing of physical activity biases

subsequent snacking. (Summary) Marketing Letters, 1-12. Retrieved March 23,

2017 from http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/discoveries/fun-or-exercise

Werle C, Wansink B, Payne C. (2015). Is it fun or exercise? The framing of physical

activity biases subsequent snacking. Market Letters, 26(4): 691702.

doi:10.1007/s11002-014-9301-6

Wood, J. (n.d.). How to Read and Analyze Research Like a Pro. Retrieved March 18,

2017, from https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/how-to-read-and-analyze-research-

like-a-pro
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