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NUTR 337 Introduction to Nutrition Research Methods: Topic & Empirical Research Question

Here you will find research tips and links to resources to help Nutrition & Dietetics students with their research

Topic & Empirical Research Question

This page will help you identify key research topics in Nutrition and Dietetics and refine them into empirical research questions.

Developing a Research Topic

Developing a Research Topic

Choosing a Research Topic

  • Pick a topic that interests you—research is easier when you're engaged.
  • Focus on key issues or debates in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Refining Your Topic

  • Start with Background Reading: Use OneSearch and online sources.
  • Narrow Your Focus by asking:
    • Who is affected? Where and when is it relevant?
    • Are organizations or policies involved?
    • What are the key debates or unanswered questions?
    • Does it challenge current thinking?
    • Is it a long-term issue or a recent trend?
    • Has its relevance changed over time?

A well-defined topic leads to a clear, researchable question.

Nutrition & Dietetics Research & News

Explore these resources for research topics, background information, and current trends in Nutrition & Dietetics.

Journals

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

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Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Public Health Nutrition

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Clinical Nutrition ESPEN

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USDA Feeds

Policy Memos - Child Nutrition Programs

  • Using Federal Funds to Purchase Local FoodsThis link opens in a new window The purpose of this memorandum is to remind schools, sponsors, and institutions participating in any USDA Child Nutrition Program, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program for Children , Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and the Seamless Summer Option , of the many ways they can purchase local foods to serve in program meals. May 6, 2025
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Policy Memos - Food Distribution Programs

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Policy Memos - Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

  • WIC FMNP and SFMNP FY 2022 Guidance PackageThis link opens in a new window This guidance provides resources that state agencies may use when considering next steps and set forth instructions for submitting state plan amendments that involve operational changes such as electronic solution proposals and/or WIC FMNP waiver requests. Apr 11, 2024
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Lifecycle Nutrition Information

USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)

ScienceDaily Nutrition Research News Feed

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Current Periodicals

Top Nutrition Trends:

Developing an Empirical Research Question

Empirical Research Questions:

  • Can be answered through direct observation, measurement, and experimentation.
  • Must be specific, testable, and researchable using peer-reviewed literature and data collection.

An empirical research question in Nutrition & Dietetics:

  • Investigates cause-and-effect relationships 
    • Example: how does a specific diet impact health outcomes?
  • Examines associations or correlations
    • Example:What is the relationship between sugar intake and obesity?
  • Requires data collection, analysis, and interpretation
    • Example: Clinical trials, surveys, or laboratory experiments.

Non-Empirical Question

Empirical Research Question
Is the Mediterranean diet good for you? What effect does adherence to the Mediterranean diet have on cardiovascular disease risk in adults?
Why is obesity a problem in the U.S.? How does daily soda consumption correlate with BMI changes in U.S. adults over five years?

 

Narrow the Topic by Identifying Key Elements

An empirical question must have measurable variables (things you can study).

  • Population: Who are you studying? (e.g., adults, children, athletes)
  • Intervention/Exposure: What is the independent (manipulated) variable? (e.g., sodium intake)
  • Outcome: What is the dependent (responding) variable? (e.g., blood pressure)

Example: "Does high sodium intake increase blood pressure in middle-aged adults?"

 

Develop a Focused, Testable Question using PICO as a framework:

PICO Element Example
P (Population) Middle-aged adults
I (Intervention / Exposure) High sodium intake
C (Comparison) Low sodium intake or control group
O (Outcome) Blood pressure levels

Empirical Research Question: What is the effect of high sodium intake on blood pressure in middle-aged adults?

Break down your research question into keywords and synonyms

Identify keywords and search terms from your empirical research question

Concept Keywords & Synonyms
Sodium intake Dietary sodium OR salt intake OR sodium intake
blood pressure Hypertension OR systolic pressure OR diastolic pressure
Middle-aged adults Adults OR middle-aged [recommend using Database AGE filters when possible]

Example search string:

(dietary sodium OR salt consumption) AND (blood pressure OR hypertension) AND (adults)

Get Help with Research!

As your subject librarian, I'm here to assist you with any questions or research needs you may have. Here are some resources and services available to you:

Library Research Presentation