Abstract
Measures of mental performance and thermal sensations were gained from 23 classes of secondary school children in England (aged 11–16) during winter. Warmth was estimated in terms of equivalent (Teq), corrected effective (CET) and air temperature. Statistical association was found between performance decrements at some tasks and environmental warmth, with maximum being located in conditions below thermal neutrality for the sample at approximately 62°F (16.5°C) Teq. In certain cases lowered performance was evident within a range of temperatures normally considered as comfortable. The present results were compared to those of preceding studies and the practical application of the findings discussed.
Zusammenfassung
Während 2 Winterperioden wurden die geistige Leistung und das Wärmeempfinden 11–16 Jahre alter Schüler von 23 Sekundärschulklassen in Reading, England gemessen. Die Wärme wurde als Äquivalent-, Korrigierte wirksame (corrected effective) und Luft (trocken)-Temperatur bestimmt. Eine statistische Beziehung wurde zwischen Leistungsabfall und Umgebungswärme gefunden. Das Maximum des Abfalls lag unterhalb thermoneutraler Bedingungen bei ungefähr 16.5°C Teq. In bestimmten Fällen war eine verminderte Leistung im Temperaturbereich erkennbar, der normalerweise als angenehm gilt. Die Ergebnisse werden mit denen früherer Studien verglichen.
Resume
On a mesuré le travail intellectuel et la sensibilité thermique des élèves de 23 classes secondaires (de 11 à 16 ans) de Reading (Angleterre). La chaleur a été prise en considération sous forme de température équivalente-potentielle (Teq), effective corrigée (CET) et du thermomètre sec. On a trouvé une relation statistique entre une baisse du rendement pour certains travaux et la température ambiante. La baisse la plus importante se rencontre par des températures inférieures au point neutre de l'échantillon, c'est-à-dire inférieures à 16,5°C Teq. Dans certains cas, on a dû constater une baisse de rendement évidente par des températures normalement considérées comme agréables. On compare ces résultats à ceux d'études précédentes et on en discute les applications pratiques possibles.
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Auliciems, A. Classroom performance as a function of thermal comfort. Int J Biometeorol 16, 233–246 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01553735
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01553735