Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.574943
Title: Understanding flavour nutrient learning : the impact of extinction and expectation
Author: Gould, Natalie
ISNI:       0000 0004 2739 2876
Awarding Body: University of Sussex
Current Institution: University of Sussex
Date of Award: 2013
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Abstract:
Humans and other animals learn to associate flavours with aspects of consuming foods, which can result in acquired liking or aversion for that flavour. Two main processes of learning have been proposed to be critical: flavour-flavour (FFL) and flavour-nutrient (FNL) learning. This thesis addresses two main research questions primarily in the context of FNL; firstly, does liking for a flavour acquired through FNL persist once energy has been removed? It has been suggested that acquired flavour liking is resistant to extinction, but there are conflicting results within the human literature, which has concentrated on FFL. Studies One and Two explored this but failed to demonstrate acquired liking, although they tentatively suggested that extinction did not occur for acquired liking as pleasantness ratings remained stable after removal of energy. The second research question investigated whether liking acquired through FNL was modulated by expectations. Study Three manipulated viscosity of a yoghurt drink to determine if this impacted upon FNL, as thicker products have been shown to signal higher energy content. Expectations were influenced by viscosity, but with little impact upon pleasantness ratings and little evidence that FNL was enhanced. Studies Four and Five used labelling to influence expectations regarding a yoghurt-based breakfast. Study Four found that when no information was provided, liking changed as predicted from FNL. Contrary to prediction, when congruent information about energy content was provided, this acquired liking was not demonstrated, and ratings remained stable across sessions. Study Five did not replicate this finding, with pleasantness ratings in line with FNL literature. Addition of a hedonic label actually resulted in decreased pleasantness of the breakfast over time, suggesting a contrast effect with the flavour not delivering what was expected. Methodological limitations are recognised, with measurement of liking and contingency awareness discussed as potential explanations for weaker findings.
Supervisor: Not available Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.574943  DOI: Not available
Keywords: BF0231 Sensation. Aesthesiology
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