Tutorial 2 answers

6. How many measurements will you take Hypothesis Do diets consisting of highly concentrated salted foods cause hypertension Independent and dependent variables Salt (NaCl) is the independent variable since it is the variable of interest which can be manipulated by the experimenter. High blood pressure is the dependent variable since it depends on the amount of salt consumed. Constant aspects of experiment Considering that we are studying diets highly concentrated in salt, we need to take into account the persons whole food intake. How much food is consumed in a day including any beverages per person People taking part within the study will have to write down their individual diet plan in a single day. What they eat in the morning, afternoon, and at night. How much salt present within each food consumed (concentration) People taking part within the study will have to write down the concentration of sodium in each meal. This can be done by observing the nutritional count at the back of most food packages. How much potassium present in each food substance Potassium is known to reverse high blood pressure in most cases. Usually foods with high sodium content are coupled with potassium to decrease the affect of any such complications. How long after the consumption of a salted meal will heart pressure be measured This must be done two hours after each meal. This is enough time for most foods to digest. This is an effective method of indicating if salted foods increase blood pressure. Also, blood pressure should be measured before bedtime, serving as an accumulated value for the whole day. Control group and experimental group Experimental group 1 People who predominantly eat foods with high salt concentration a diet that exceeds the recommended intake 2500 mg/day (per adult). Experimental group 2 People who predominantly eat foods with high salt concentration a diet that exceeds the recommended intake 2500 mg/day (per adult), but also have a high intake of potassium. Control group 1 People who are within the adult range of recommended intake 1600 mg/day 2500 mg/day. Control group 2 People who consume below the recommended adult intake 1600 mg/day. Measurements taken Amount of measurements taken