Madison Miller Period 5 12/6/13 Concentration Test Madison Miller Period 5 12/6/13

Question Can different noises affect how well we concentrate?

Backround I picked this topic because I have trouble concentrating when I do homework. If I don’t do well on my homework then I usually don’t do as well in that class. I really need a way to concentrate better on my homework in order to do well in class. I thought different types of music may help. Therefore, I want to see what type of music helps me concentrate.

Variables Independent variable: music Dependent variable: time it takes to complete the puzzle Constant variable: level of word search, lighting, chair, time of day

Hypothesis If we listen to our favorite song, then we will be able to concentrate better/finish faster.

Materials/ Procedure - timer - chair - 5 different types of music - pencil - 5 same level puzzles 1) Gather materials 2) Play a song 3)Start timer 4)Work on puzzle 5)When done, copy down results 6)Repeat with a different song 7) Repeat steps 2-6

Results

Conclusion Can different noises affect how well we concentrate? I gathered all of my materials and played a song. Next, I started the timer, worked on the puzzle, and when I was finished I copied down my results and did it again. When I did one puzzle while playing no music/sound it took me 6 minutes and 59 seconds. When I did another puzzle while playing my favorite song, it took 6 minutes and 9 seconds. It took 9 minutes and 10 seconds while playing a repetitive beat, 6 minutes and 48 seconds while listening to heavy metal, and 6 minutes and 45 seconds while listening to acoustic guitar. Therefore, my data does support my hypothesis because if I listen to my favorite song, it helps me concentrate and better/finish faster. My data proves this because while playing my favorite song, it took the shortest amount of time. I learned that listening to my favorite song will help me finish faster and that listening to a repetitive beat will not help me finish faster. If I could do this lab differently, I would make the puzzles shorter. I would also try to make sure that no one is around me. My family sometimes talked and my dogs would bark which was distracting.