That is definitely it for me. I know that many people eat when they’re lonely, but I never snack when my husband is not home. When he is home and gets out the cheese crackers, I always have some. I don’t blame him for my gaining weight, but I can attribute it partially to his presence.
How about whether the price of food affects how much is eaten?
Do people eat more when food is accompanied by alcoholic beverages?
Do people eat more if they think the food is organic?
How does eating with strangers affect amount?
Are there smells that affect how much is eaten?
Will eating a salad with the meal affect how much dessert is eaten?
It would help to know what kind of academic setting this would pertain to. You say you have “students”? Elementary School, High School, College?