Use of a Digital Computer in the Study of Eating Habit Patterns

Available statistical methods that, by digital computer technics, can now be applied quickly and easily to large volumes of data, allow one to take the usual food consumption data for a group of individuals and to derive from it a fairly clear picture of the eating habit patterns of the different individuals within that group. They allow one to locate the specific individuals within the group whose eating habit patterns differ in a significant way, and to point to the nature and extent of these differences. They also provide suggestions concerning the planning and interpretation of dietary survey data.