Analytic Technique
For the product comparison analyses, numerical data was first taken in order to see which product was more favorable in participants. Then, the open ended responses were coded based on whether the response mentioned the intended variables or not as part of their decision making process; these words included ‘high protein,’ ‘high fiber,’ ‘non-GMO,’ and ‘organic.’ Design was also an independent factor including the manipulation of color, symmetry, and transparent versus opaque packaging. Additionally, the review of these submissions allowed for patterns and trends to be noted among participant responses, either supporting expected hypotheses or presenting new findings. Based on these results, connections between the previous research and this found data were made, representing consumer perceptions, conscious decision making, and other emerging trends.