Effect of temperature on attention ability based on electroencephalogram measurements. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Yoorim; Kim, Minjung; Chun, Chungyoon
• Is Part Of: Building and environment. Volume 147(2019)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Attention -- Electroencephalogram (EEG) -- Predicted mean vote (PMV) -- Temperature -- Perceived attention -- Productivity; Buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Technique de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 696
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.10.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1323

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, subjects' attention abilities in seven predicted mean vote (PMV) conditions (−3 to +3) were measured using electroencephalograms (EEGs). A total of 49 EEG recordings were performed (in seven PMV conditions for seven subjects), each lasting for 65 min. EEGs were recorded through the scalp and sorted by frequency using power spectral analysis. The best PMV condition for attention ability changed over time, from slightly cooler temperatures to higher temperatures. However, extreme PMV conditions led to poor attention ability during the experiment. The highest attention level was at PMV +1, according to our EEG analysis, but was reported as both PMV 0 and + 1 by the subjects. The lowest attention level was in higher temperature conditions (PMV +2, +3), according to subjects' own evaluations, while the lowest brain activity was measured in lower temperature conditions (PMV -2, −3). Highlights: Attention ability was measured by EEG as a metric of productivity, instead of measuring productivity itself. The best temperature for attention changed over time and the perceived attention did not match the physiological response as assessed by EEG. The results provide a new method to measure productivity and a basis to develop new indoor environment controls for optimal productivity.