Indicative word count 500 (including section 2 a & b)
Context – This section situates the research question within the knowledge, theory, and concepts of the field of study. It explains the purpose / value of the study and describes why it is of interest to you. As a minimum this should Include:
1. A brief overview of what it is your dissertation is about
2. Why it is of interest both academically and personally
3. Where the research will take place
A vegan dietary pattern is based upon plant-based food and it excludes all the animal products including eggs, fish, meat, honey and even dairy. The animal products are replaced by soy products such as tofu, fortified soy beverages and edamame. It is reported that in the year 2021 almost 79 million people was found to consume vegan diet however, it also signifies the fact that almost 0.1 to 1% of the world population is found to consume plant-based diet. However, there exist various myths related to vegan diet such as it is an expensive food, it contains lack of protein, the diet is very restrictive and it is very tough to maintain. Executive function is considered to be the set of mental skills which helps in controlling the memory, improving the individual’s self-control and flexible thinking. These skills help in managing day to day life and improves the decision-making capacity of the individual. It is often highlighted that proteins, vitamins play an essential role in improving memory and physical wellbeing and hence, limited evidences are found related to the consumption of vegan diet and its relation with maintaining proper executive function. It is also stated that limited study has been performed for understanding the relationship between executive function and its relationship with vegan dietary pattern (Hargreaves et al., 2021). However, it is reported that the individuals consuming vegan diet faces health challenges such as risk of developing vitamin B12, risk of developing anaemia and cause of hormone disruption. However, the positive effect of vegan diet upon environment is clearly reported where it helps in saving the ecosystem, water content and saving fossil fuel (Rizzo et al., 2016).
The study is essential academically for understanding the relationship between the vegan diet, executive function. The study also aims at determining the role of executive function upon controlling the eating behaviour as limited research has been in these objectives. (Sakkas et al, 2020). The study also aims at determining the role of cognitive functions upon food choices especially among the vegan population which will help in determining the impact of controlling eating behaviour and its relation with vegan diet. Personally, I would like understand the dietary patterns, eating behaviour among the participants practicing vegan diet and I also aim at understanding the impact of aging upon vegan diet.
The research will be conducted in the online forum with participants from vegan Facebook group. The research will be conducted in a university where the survey data will be collected and analysed. This will also help in gaining proper feedback from seniors and co-mates.
Research Aim. This section sets out what the overall purpose of your research is. It should state what it is that you are trying to achieve?
This section should be a concise and clear statement that we would expect to be no more than a single (short) paragraph.
The aim of the study is to determine the role of executive function in controlling the eating behaviour among the vegan population. The study also aims at focusing upon the eating behaviour traits of the vegan population for understanding the relationship between the eating and controlling behaviour.
Research Objectives. This section sets out clear objectives that will guide your research and set out distinct research goals that will allow you to achieve the aim stated above.
The objectives of the study are-
1) To understand the relation between vegan diet and its relationship with the controlling behaviour.
2) To determine the dietary pattern of the vegan population.
3) To understand the relation between executive function and eating behaviour among the vegan population.
4) The study also aims at understanding the feelings, thought and opinion of the participant adhering to vegan diet and its relationship in controlling the eating pattern.
Indicative word count 1250 -1500
Literature – In this section you should demonstrate that you have knowledge of the literature that will support your research. This should include the interpretation and discussion of a wide range of relevant sources evaluated and sorted for logical connections. You should ensure that you show an awareness of both current and established sources of information and that make the link between the available literature and the aim and objectives of the research. There should be a minimum of 10 academic sources in this section including recent journal articles relating to the subject area, these should be correctly referenced using the APA referencing system.
Ramey et al., (2020) performed a study for understanding the markers of plant-based diet and its relationship with memory along with executive function among the older adult. The study highlighted that little information is known about the relationship between cognitive health and consumption of plant-based diet and it is highly important to understand the importance of macronutrients and its influence in cognition. The aim of the study is to examine the association between cognitive function and dietary pattern among the older adult. The researcher in this case conducted a National Health and nutrition examination survey and the cross-sectional study was conducted for understanding the macronutrient intake among the participants in the last 24 hours with the help of interview and the executive function was also analyzed to the interview process but digit symbol substitution test, delayed word recall and animal fluency was analyzed. The results of the study highlighted that the diet is related to the improved performance related to cognitive tasks while the secondary analysis indicated the link between executive function and plant-based diet as it helps in improving the memory function by reducing the baseline inflammation. Thus, the vegan diet is found to be effective in managing the health of the older adults and improving the executive function of the population (Marks & Moghaddas, 2021). Bakaloudi et al., (2021) performed a study for determining the adequacy and intake of vegan diet among the population. The study highlighted that vegan diet is found to gain popularity which includes eradication of any kind of animal product and it has limited evidence for understanding the scientific value which is present in the vegan diet in comparison to the World Health Organisation Recommendation of macro and micronutrients. The researcher in this case conducted systematic review and included cohort and cross-sectional study for understanding the intake of vegan food among the population. The results of the study highlighted that in comparison to macronutrient vegan diet has lower protein intake in comparison to all other diet along with that veganism is also associated with lower intake of various types of vitamins and minerals which includes vitamin B12, B2, D, selenium, calcium, zinc and potassium. The consumption of vitamin B12 is lower by 0.49 μg and the intake of calcium is also lower (Storti et al., 2020). No such difference in fat intake has been observed. However, no such deficiencies are related to Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, E and E, magnesium, folate and copper. Help the study in this case clearly determined that vegan diet might result in micronutrient deficiency and the proper diet plan needs to be maintained by the individual in order to prevent health issues. Siebertz et al., (2022) conducted a study for determining the implicit and explicit attitude towards vegan food consumption and role of mindfulness. The researchers in this case aim at understanding the self-regulated health behavior and its relationship with dietary patterns. The results of the study highlighted that the Omnivore people rated non-vegetarian diet specially the meat-based diet as a positive food while the vegetarian’s rated vegetable as a positive food and hence in this case it can be determined that that is mediated by personal norms and choices and it is not related with the attitude of the habitat but the mindfulness intervention towards attitude and implementation defers with the vegan diet pattern. NGO et al., (2021) stated that the five factor which is found to influence on motivate the participants in consuming plant-based diet includes reference group, mood of the individual, health individual and animal welfare and in this case mood of the individual plays an important role for influencing the choices related to vegan diet which also influences the attitude to change from vegetarian diet towards vegan diet. Torna & Andrade (2021) highlighted that there exist significant differences in dietary patterns of plant and animal food and the adults mostly shift towards vegan diet due to change of attitude. Milfont & Sibley (2021) highlighted that the tendency of shifting from omnivore diet to vegan diet over one year is less and the vegan diet is the least stable diet among all the diets which enhances the deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Plante & Reysen (2019) stated that the motivation and personal choices are found to affect the dietary pattern. North & Kothe (2021) highlighted that health reason is one of the most common factors which influences the dietary choices of the population. The study also highlighted the concept of ethical consideration of animal welfare among the vegan population. Brytek-Matera et al., (2018) performed the study for determining health-oriented eating patterns and their relationship with vegan diet. The primary aim of the research is to understand the dietary pattern and the healthy eating behavior along with that the study also aimed at understanding the health reason and ethical concerns behind consumption of vegan diet (Brytek-Matera et al., 2018). The study stated that the individual with a vegan diet showed an advanced level of knowledge related to healthy eating and it also signifies a proper executive function. Iguacel et al., (2021) performed the study for determining the impact of vegetarian and vegan diet upon the mental and cognitive function of the population adhering to the diet. The study highlighted that vegan and vegetarian diet is increasing all over the world but it results in nutritional deficiency among the population however it is believed that vegan and vegetarian diet is found to be beneficial for delivering positive health effects. The researcher in this case conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for understanding the relationship between the vegan diet and mental health of the population (Crozier et al., 2019). The result of the study clearly determined the fact that no such significant association is found with the continuation of mental illness such as stress, depression and cognitive impairment. On the other hand, the study clearly highlighted the fact that the vegan diet population is found to develop a higher risk of depression while the rate of anxiety is found to be lower among the population. The study also highlighted the fact that the rate of depression among the younger population was found to be higher among the participants under the age of 26 and hence it can be determined that vegan diet is found to impact the mental health of the population especially the younger individuals. Hence, in this case the reviews highlighted the fact the vegan diet is selected by health choices which also enhances the personal satisfaction (Iguacel et al., 2021).
Walo-Syversen et al., (2019) performed the study for determining the role of executive function in controlling eating behaviour among the patient suffering from excessive weight obesity and it is important in preoperative weight loss surgery. The study highlighted that it has been reported that there exist individual differences in terms of executive function which influences the eating behaviour among many patients including the patient suffering from obesity. The study also highlights that executive function is found to control the cognitive process related to eating behaviour which impacts the body weight and it acts as an essential behavioural control strategy among the patient undergoing bariatric surgery. The result of the study clearly highlighted the fact that executive function plays an essential role in controlling the eating pattern among the population which influences the behaviour of the individual in controlling the dietary pattern and the proper research needs to be done for understanding the relationship between executive control such as the cognitive process in understanding the relationship between the eating pattern. Gowey et al., (2017) performed the study for determining the relationship between executive function and dysregulated eating behavioural patterns among the children suffering from obesity. The study results clearly highlighted the fact that there exists a relationship between executive dysfunction which also disrupts the eating behaviour pattern of the children by impacting long-term psychological impact upon the children which affects the body function by developing the chance of obesity. Brytek-Matera et al., (2019) performed the study for determining the relationship between strict health-oriented eating patterns and their connection with vegetarian diet among the population. The study highlighted that there exists a relationship between eating behaviour along with choice of diet usually maintained by the veganism and it requires a proper level of understanding to establish the relationship between the strict diet and controlling eating function. The result of the study clearly highlighted the fact that the population with a vegan diet has a higher level of knowledge related to healthy eating which can be considered to be one of the effective factors for executive function related to healthy eating. The study also determined that cognitive construct is considered to be one of the main protectors for the population which controls the eating pattern and hence the study clearly determines that there exists a relationship between health-oriented eating patterns among the vegan population. Gatto et al., (2021) performed the study for determining the relationship between vegan diet and cognitive function among the older adult. The study highlighted that it is essential to understand the cognitive function of the older adult adhering towards vegan diet and its relationship with cognitive function. However, the study highlighted that no such relationship exists between the choice of diet and cognitive function which governs the dietary pattern but it is highlighted that characteristics of vegetarian diet is associated with better memory and controlling ability (Gatto et al. 2021).
Indicative word count 500-700
Method – This section should provide an explanation and justification of the chosen research method to the topic. Please make sure that you include details of:
1) Where the research will take place
2) Who the sample will be
3) How you intend to access that sample
4) Why you have chosen that as the sample and how that will influence your research
5) What method you intend to use to carryout your research.
6) Research texts that support your work
You may not be able at this stage to say definitely who the sample would be but you should be able to give a clear indication of the attributes of your sample.
The research will be conducted in a university where the survey data will be collected and analysed. This will also help in gaining proper feedback from seniors and co-mates. The research will be conducted in the university with the participants included from vegan diet groups present in the social media along with that the University students practicing vegan diet will also be included in the study. The place of research will help in collecting the participants and taking proper feedback from the guide which will help in maintaining a proper data analysis and the survey will also be benefited from the place of the research as the individuals will be encouraged to participate in the study.
The participants between the age of 18 to 60 will be included in the study (Martinez-Mesa et al., 2016). Both the male and female population will be encouraged and invited via social media platforms for participating in the study. The selection of participants will be appropriate in this research as the study will help in understanding the motivational factor among the individuals which help them in shifting from non-vegetarian diet to vegan diet. It will also help in understanding the influence of religious belief and the benefit gained from vegan diet related to executive functioning among the wide range of age groups from adolescence till older adults.
A survey will be conducted by circulating online questionnaire to the participants (Ricci et al., 2019). The selection of survey method is appropriate establishing the relationship between the participants along with dietary pattern of veganism and executive function. The questionnaire will be appropriate as it will help in understanding the beliefs, the knowledge about diet, understanding of dietary patterns and the cognitive function of the participants. The survey will also help in understanding the influence of executive functioning upon the lifestyle and dietary choices of the participants and hence it will determine the influencing factor for maintaining dietary interventions. The data will be collected with the help of survey questionnaire where a Likert scale will be present within the questionnaire and hence, it will help in gathering large information related to relationship between executive function and eating behaviour (Batterton & Hale, 2017).
The previous study highlights that the vegan or vegetarian population has better knowledge about healthy food which governs the healthy eating pattern. However, the effective knowledge might be one of the key factors for controlling eating behaviour among the vegan population. The influencing factors present in each of the groups will help in developing a proper relationship between religious, executive function and dietary pattern associated with the factors. The researcher will conduct a survey with questionnaire for understanding the beliefs, opinion and perception among the participants related to vegan diet and thereby it will help in understanding the association between the executive function and controlling eating pattern among the vegan population (Ponto, 2015). A proper informed consent will be collected from the participants prior to involving them into the survey which will help in improving the credibility of the research and reducing the risk of bias in gaining responses. The participants will be recruited through purposive sampling method by considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the research. The participants age, gender and ethnicity will be considered for the data collection as well (Klar & Leeper, 2019). The inclusion criteria of the research are- the participants between the age of 18 to 60years, practicing vegan diet for more than 2years, proficient in English. The exclusion criteria are- the participants suffering from cognitive disorder, practicing vegan diet for health issues and practicing vegan diet due to unavailability of food choice (Joye et al., 2016). A total number of 60 participants will be included in the study based upon the selection criteria as it a non-probability sampling technique which includes participants based upon the aim and objective of the research. Survey system sample size calculator will be used for calculating the sample size and 90% to 95% confidence level. The responses will be collected with the help of emails and will be send for analysis. A proper ethical approval will be taken from the Huma Research ethics committee (HREC).
For analysing the collected data, SPSS software will be used. The software helps in analysing wide range of survey data from the participants of survey (Ong & Puteh 2017). The correlation between the contributing factors will be done by Pearson’s correlations for understanding the relationship between the eating behaviour and executive function among the vegan population (Zhou et al., 2016).
All sources referred to in the sections above must be presented here correctly presented using the APA format. As well as the sources that you examine in the literature review section you will need to support the information you present in the method section with academic references using the APA system regarding research design
Reference List
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