Brain Waves: The Affect of Caffeine, Sleep, Physical Activity, and Alcohol
The purpose was to determine the effects of everyday factors on a person's brain wave patterns (thinking process). Two experiments were designed using an EEG to test four factors. The first experiment, a three factor DOE, showed how sleep, caffeine, and physical activity effected the wave patterns of Cheung and Oppat. Data analysis for brain wave patterns consistently showed that Cheung was effected greatly by caffeine; Oppat's greatest influence was sleep. Physical activity influenced their blood pressure and pulse rate the most--as was expected. The second experiment, a statistical t-test, demonstrated the effect of alcohol (a depressant) on wave patterns. For both test subjects, wave patterns were decreased. This illustrated the negative effect of alcohol on a person's ability to think clearly. The thought process was influenced by personal routines in regards to sleep cycles, activities, and beverages. Overall, each factor had a different level of influence in each person. Alcohol, however, caused a decrease in brain wave activity--a true reflection for everyone.
Research Done By:
Chris Cheung
Warren Mott High School
Shanna Oppat
Warren Mott High School
Warren Consolidated Schools