FDiscussion
Each subject showed a change in each vital measured during the experiment. A change in vitals was expected for our experiment however, some vitals did not change in the manner that we expected. For subjects 3, 6, 7 and 8 heart rate was observed to reduce during the experiment. Out of these subjects, 6 and 7 show a reduction in respiration during the experiment as well. The reduced breathing may contribute to the heart rate reduction seen during the experiment. Subjects 3 and 8 may show a reduction because the subjects may find puzzle solving a means of relaxation. It was concluded that the subject's heart rate reducing due to rest could be eliminated from possible causes because the subjects had already been resting for over five minutes due to the collection of the baseline. Subjects 2,3 6,7 and 8 all showed a higher heart rate at the start of testing in comparison to their individual baseline. This may indicate the first onset of stress due to the start of the timed testing situation.
It was expected that business students would experience the greatest percent change from their baseline values but from the data analysis, the art and science subjects show the greatest change in every area except in skin conductance. Business subjects showed the greatest change in skin conductance and the second greatest change in electromyography and respiration. Subjects 4 and 5 both reported a diagnosis of anxiety on the pre-questionnaire. They also answered to have a 4 and 6 level of stress respectively. Both Subjects are art and science subjects. With this information it was concluded that the test does initiate stress in those with anxiety and the results are skewed because of these pre-existing diagnosis. The group with the most people with a diagnosed anxiety condition showed the greatest response to a stress response test. Taking this into consideration and excluding it due to the bias business students due show the second greatest change in their recorded vitals.
The experiment would have more successful data if it had a larger population as well as a more selective subject selection. The study would show more effective data if the entire subject group had anxiety or did not have anxiety instead of the mixed group that was used. The hypothesis should be adjusted for the experiment as well to be selective on what to consider. Instead of a hypothesis of a change in recorded vitals, it could focus on an increase in vitals. Looking at the specific Clarkson schools it may be found to be more beneficial to look at the majors within each school as an individual study. This information can allow for the disciplines and the majors to make possible adjustments or offer more assistance in managing stress during exam situations. College students are all required to take examinations and the preparedness of the student isn't the only factor affecting their test-taking abilities. Future development may lead to Clarkson having a reduction in the number of students with test anxiety and offer better management for stress for students.
Appendix
1. Pre-Questionnaire