Introduction to Applied Research: Hypothesis Assignment - COMM AS401

This assignment focuses on an applied research hypothesis concerning obesity as a social problem, particularly within the context of American society. The student identifies obesity as the independent variable and children/adolescents and adults as the dependent variable, exploring its impact through the lens of symbolic interaction theory. The paper argues that obesity leads to various forms of alienation, including psychological damages, stigmatization, and discrimination. The student highlights the role of media in perpetuating negative weight-based characterizations and weight biases, while also acknowledging the need for preventative measures and healthy eating. The assignment provides a detailed analysis of the social implications of obesity, supported by relevant references.

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED RESEARCH
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Introduction to Applied Research
Name
Institution

INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED RESEARCH 2
Introduction to Applied Research
1) Hypothesis: Obesity has become a social problem in the contemporary world particularly
in the American Society. Obesity has resulted in different types of alienation in all walks
of life. Notably, this has resulted in psychological damages to those who are obese
especially children or adolescents at school or adults in the workplaces. Many obesity
campaigns have promoted stigmatization of obese people rather than finding a lasting
solution to preventing obesity and healthy eating.
2) Independent variable in this research paper is Obesity.
3) Dependent variable is Children/Adolescents and Adults)
4) Obesity is a social problem that can be studied under the social theory of symbolic
interaction. The overall effect of obesity to those suffering from this condition is apparent
in society. Some of the main results of obesity to the victims include characterization to
specific behavior such as being unintelligent, being undisciplined, prejudice, and
discrimination from getting a job (Medvedyuk, Ali, & Raphael, 2018). Although there is
an urgent need for control as well as preventative measures of obesity in Modern society,
people with obesity should not in either way face discrimination in the society. Even
though being overweight and obese has become a social norm in Canadian society,
stigmatization of people suffering from obesity has persisted in recent times. There have
been various negative weight-based characterizations in mainstream media with many
being regularly documented where obese individuals have been portrayed as being less
intelligent (Seacat, Dougal, & Roy, 2016). Additionally, obese people have been
characterized as being undisciplined architects, particularly of their conditions. Social
media and news media have played a significant role in contributing to weight biases

INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED RESEARCH 3
through portraying obese people in stigmatizing ways. In some obesity prevention
campaigns, the idea of “fat shaming” has been rampant in recent times.
5) Yes, obesity makes people suffering from this condition to undergo prejudice and
stigmatization in the society.
No, obesity offers a chance for people to find a preventative solution for being
overweight and healthy eating.
References
Medvedyuk, S., Ali, A., & Raphael, D. (2018). Ideology, obesity and the social determinants of
health: a critical analysis of the obesity and health relationship. Critical Public
Health, 28(5), 573-585.

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Seacat, J. D., Dougal, S. C., & Roy, D. (2016). A daily diary assessment of female weight
stigmatization. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(2), 228-240.