[6] The instructions developed for these measures may be changed depending on the specific topic of research or category of observation.
[11] Figure rating scale studies have also assessed body image perceptions among Caucasian, Asian, and African-American college women.
[15] Results from figure observations have been applied to other scales in order to assess body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.
In order to properly use this type of measurement, it is important to understand how researchers have applied theoretical frameworks.
Researchers conducting observations in this area will also draw on theories from psychology and communications to understand why an individual will choose a certain silhouette to represent his or her own body type.
Social comparison theory suggests that an individual will compare his or her own physical appearance to the body images presented in the media.
Some individuals may have broader shoulders or wider hips than in the images provided in the scale; therefore, participants may have a more difficult time choosing the appropriate figures to represent their physical appearances.