Chewing Gum Lab Report

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Abstract. The effect of chewing gum while studying and testing was investigated through this lab. Two trials were used. One trial tested subjects without gum and the other trial provided subjects with gum. Subjects were asked to read an informative narrative and then tested on the information included in the narrative after a short break. Their test score was measured for each trial and then compared with results from both trials. In this lab, it was discovered that chewing gum while studying and testing could improve an individual’s test score.

I. Introduction

Chewing gum is most often a topic of debate when it comes to teachers. However, research suggests gum has more benefits that outweigh the sound of students smacking gum. A study by undergraduates at St. Lawrence refers to the effects of chewing gum-on subjects (during studying) as “…improvements in…working memory…episodic memory…and in their perceptual speed of processing”. (Onyper, 2014) …show more content…

Recall and memory tasks have been the areas in which most studies have tested. The study at St. Lawrence tested 224 subjects and divided them into three groups. The groups consisted of one where no gum was chewed, one where subjects chewed gum before and during testing, and the last group only chewed gum for five minutes before testing began. It was concluded that the subjects who chewed gum before and during the test had improved scores compared those who did not chew gum. (Davis, 2015)
Serge Onyper-the researcher heading the study at St. Lawrence-stated, “…chewing gum causes an increase in arousal – it helps wake you up. [This] Research suggests that chewing increases heart rate, blood pressure, and cerebral blood flow.” All this essentially helps to wake up ones brain, and allow better concentration and

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