Title:

The Optimal Thinking Environment (OTE)

Goal:

To successfully find the Optimal Thinking Environment

(OTE) through tests of memory recall and basic

thinking skill

Hypothesis:

We predict that the Optimal Thinking Environment will

include high temperatures and classical music in the

background.  We have chosen this for two reasons:

-Heat, or any other form of energy makes matter go faster.

-Cows give more milk when listening to classical

music, according to one study.

Materials

-Two Human Beings:

13 year old male, height 5'5", weight 120 lbs

14 year old male, height 5'7", weight 145 lbs

-One computer

-Three CD's:

Jazz, Rock and Classical

-One large set of basic Math Questions

Multiplication and Division, to rearranged in

different orders.

-One plastic bag

-Several ice cubes

-One fireplace

-One heavy blanket

-A room

Variables:

Independent:

Temperature of Surroundings

Music

Dependent:

Score on Test

Controlled Variables:

The "Tired" Factor (controlled through breaks of

equal length through testing)

The "Fluke" Factor (controlled with repeated

experiments)

Procedure:

1. For testing in normal conditions:

a. Find a normal temperature room (approx. 20 degrees Celsius)

b. Prepare the test of multiplication and division

c. Put on ROCK music

d. Repeat above five times for both people, rearranging the test/questions each time

e. Change to classical music, repeating D

f. Change to jazz, repeating D

g. Turn music off, repeating D

2. For testing in hot conditions:

a. Find a fireplace

b. Light the fireplace

c. Find a blanket

d. Wear blanket, and repeat above (1b to 1g). Repeat all

experiments five times for each combination of conditions.

3. For testing in cold conditions:

a. Put the ice cubes in a bag.

b. Put the ice cubes in participant's shirt.

c. Repeat above (1b to 1g). Repeat all experiments five

times for each combination of conditions.

4. Compare scores in all conditions experimented with.

5. Record and average all data.