Tapper et al (2003)

Aims

To increase the levels of fruit and vegetable consumption by using role models called ‘Food Dudes’ in schools

Procedures

Pilot studies in two primary schools in Dublin – one experimental and one control.

In total 435 children participated in the study.

Fruit and vegetables were provided daily in both school = 8-day baseline phase and during 16-day intervention. Consumption was assessed at baseline and at 12-month follow-up.

The intervention only implemented in experimental school – peer modelling videos, rewards and home pack for parents.

This was followed by a phase of no intervention – all teachers and parents evaluated positively.

 Findings

• Children engages positively, had better attendance and were enthusiastic about the curriculum work involving the FD theme.
• Lower achieving children were more confident.

After 4 months, they were still eating more fruit and vegetables

Conclusions

The programme was effective in increasing the levels of fruit and veg consumption.

Strengths:

• Ecological Validity – real environment.
• Reliable – research could be repeated in the school.
• Generalisable – many children took part.

Weaknesses:

• Cultural Bias – conducted in Ireland.
• Children in research – ethical issues
• Disruption of educational process.