Gilchrist and Nesberg’s study

• What is motivation in perception?

  Wanting something increases its attractiveness.
• What was the aim of this study?

  To find out if food deprivation affects the perception of food.
• How long were participants not allowed to eat for?

  20 hours.
• What was the method of this study?

  Hungry (no food for 20 hours) and not hungry participants shown a slide of a meal.

  Had to adjust light to level of slide shown.
• What were the results of this study?

  Food was perceived as brighter the longer the participant was deprived of food.
• What is the conclusion of this study?

  Sensitivity greater when food deprived.

  Hunger is a motivating factor that affects perception of food.
• What happens to people’s sensitivity when they’re deprived of food?

  It is greater.
• What is a positive evaluation of this study?

  Support from similar studies, Sanford’s study found similar results which strengthens the validity of the study.
• What is a negative evaluation of this study?

  Ethical issues, depriving people of food can cause discomfort and physical harm.