What kind of test-taking environment makes a person complete tests faster and accurately?
Research Report Kurumi O.
Getting good grades on tests is a major problem for any student. There are specific conditions that help improve test scores. It is true that “the most suitable environment for taking tests” differs from person to person. Nevertheless, there are standards that improve most people’s performance on tests. This report will mainly be about one dimension of a test-taking environment: sound.
To begin with, it is known that there are two different noise levels suited for increasing concentration during a test, silence and noisiness. However, many people think a silent atmosphere is the comfortable environment to take a test. In a situation with complete silence, distractions are scarce. This is the environment where tests are usually taken. This condition is suited for people who are easily distracted and need a place that has minimum distraction. Many people are distracted easily by the smallest sound, so a silent environment is generally a good condition for many people. However, this silent environment has a flaw: A single noise can turn out to be even more distracting (Picture 1).
The other noise environment some people may prefer to take a test in is a noisy environment. In this situation, there are many sounds blaring around the person. There is no particular noise standing out. This allows the person think of the noise as part of the background. The person can concentrate on themselves, completely ignoring the noises. However, the consequence is that concentrating in this situation requires the skill not to be distracted easily.
There are some objects that can completely distract performances in tests. They are the attractive devices such as cell phones and TV (Picture 2). These devices not only have a attractive sound, but they have an extremely bright and attractive visual. Assume that there is such a device turned on in a test-taking environment. These devices split the brain’s focus into two, and soon most of the concentration is used on the more attractive device. This is because the actions, such as watching TV, do not require advanced thinking. The enthusiasm towards the test decreases significantly when these devices are used.
There are some objects that can completely distract performances in tests. They are the attractive devices such as cell phones and TV (Picture 2). These devices not only have a attractive sound, but they have an extremely bright and attractive visual. Assume that there is such a device turned on in a test-taking environment. These devices split the brain’s focus into two, and soon most of the concentration is used on the more attractive device. This is because the actions, such as watching TV, do not require advanced thinking. The enthusiasm towards the test decreases significantly when these devices are used.
From recent studies, it has been discovered that music also improves test
scores. Classical music has been proved to increase concentration level of some
people. When the music is turned on as background music, it shuts out the other
environmental noises such as car screeches and people’s voices. This effect is
similar to the instinctive closing of eyes when there is a need of
concentration.
However, using music to shut out the other sounds is only valid when using classical music. In 1945, three scientists, Henderson, Crews, and Barlow experimented if popular music interfered with concentration on exams. From their results, they found that popular music did distract many students. Many students mentioned that they could not concentrate with the popular music being played. This is thought to be because popular music is fast, has a heavy beat, and has a vocal, making it sound attractive. The brain was used to listen to the music, rather than consume more energy solving questions.
In 1983, a scientist, Wolfe, experimented if there is any difference in the concentration towards the test when volume of the music is changed. The result of the experiment was that there was volume made no significant difference in the test scores. Still, many students reported that loud music distracted them. From this, it is noticeable that the music level played during the test should not be ridiculously loud.
It has been demonstrated that “sound” effects greatly in the performance on a test. A good condition for a test generally is silence or having classical music on as background music at a reasonable volume. Creating this condition in a test-taking environment will increase concentration and lead to increasing test scores.
However, using music to shut out the other sounds is only valid when using classical music. In 1945, three scientists, Henderson, Crews, and Barlow experimented if popular music interfered with concentration on exams. From their results, they found that popular music did distract many students. Many students mentioned that they could not concentrate with the popular music being played. This is thought to be because popular music is fast, has a heavy beat, and has a vocal, making it sound attractive. The brain was used to listen to the music, rather than consume more energy solving questions.
In 1983, a scientist, Wolfe, experimented if there is any difference in the concentration towards the test when volume of the music is changed. The result of the experiment was that there was volume made no significant difference in the test scores. Still, many students reported that loud music distracted them. From this, it is noticeable that the music level played during the test should not be ridiculously loud.
It has been demonstrated that “sound” effects greatly in the performance on a test. A good condition for a test generally is silence or having classical music on as background music at a reasonable volume. Creating this condition in a test-taking environment will increase concentration and lead to increasing test scores.
For my science fair, I will experiment which sound environment is best suited for taking tests. The testable question for my experiment will be “How do different sound conditions affect the score and time of a timed test?” I will create four different environments, one where it is mostly silent, one where classical music as background music, pop music as background music, and a TV turned on is placed. There, I will use a 50 problem math subtraction test (Picture 3), to see the speed and accuracy differences in completing tests. I expect the environment of silence, and one where classical music is being played as a background to have the highest scores and fastest completions of the test. This hypothesis is made from the background research I have shown in the paragraphs before.
Bibliography
Sites
Pictures
- Advising & Learning Assistance Center. Effective Study Environments http://alac.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=9 (March 17, 2014)
- The University of Alabama Center for Academic Success. Creating a Good Study Environment http://www.ctl.ua.edu/ctlstudyaids/studyskillsflyers/generaltips/creatingstudyenvironment.htm (March 17, 2014)
- Manthei, Mike and Kelly, Steve N. Effects of Popular and Classical Background Music on the Math Test Scores of Ungraduate Students http://music.arts.usf.edu/rpme/effects.htm (March 17, 2014)
- Does watching TV while doing homework affect the time it takes to finish?. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_watching_TV_while_doing_homework_affect_the_time_it_ntakes_to_finish?#slide=1 (March 23rd, 2014)
- Does listening to music while doing homework affect the time it takes to finish?. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_listening_to_music_while_doing_homework_affect_the_time_it_takes_to_finish#slide=6 (March 23rd, 2014)
Pictures
- Stend. テレビのイラスト素材画像集. http://matome.naver.jp/odai/2128876610643113501 (April 13,2014)
- Inova Solutions. Inova Ontime Analog Clocks. http://www.inovasolutions.com/network-clocks/products/analog-wall-clock.htm (April 13,2014)