A Completion Practical Exemplar - Quantitative

Stage 2
Psychology
Assessment Type 1:
Investigations Folio
The Effect of White Noise on Daytime

Sleepiness
Introduction
White noise is a type of sound that includes all frequencies of audible noise at equal intensity.1 2. For many
years, researchers have been investigating how white noise affects humans, with evidence suggesting that
listening to white noise can improve work performance, reduce distress in infants, and potentially counteract
the effects of ADHD.3 A 2017 study found that adults fell asleep 38% faster when listening to white noise.
Researchers are hopeful that the constant hum of white noise might reduce the sleeper’s sensitivity to
disruptive environmental noises.4 By reducing the effect of external disturbances, sleep quality is likely to
increase, which is beneficial as poor sleep quality is a significant cause of daytime sleepiness.5
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), first developed by Dr Murray Johns in the 1990s, is a scale intended to
measure daytime sleepiness.6 7 Participants complete a questionnaire that provides eight scenarios suggesting
how likely they would be to fall asleep in each situation on a four-point scale (0-3).8 9 The sum of the eight
scores is evaluated, and the participant’s final score from 0-24 indicates their level of daytime sleepiness.10 11
Scores from 0-10 indicate normal daytime sleepiness, scores from 11-15 indicate excessive daytime
sleepiness, and scores above 16 are considered severe.12
Aim:
To determine the effectiveness of white noise on lowering participant Epworth Sleepiness Scores.
Hypothesis:
Participants who listen to white noise as they sleep for seven nights will record lower Epworth Sleepiness
Scores than participants who do not.
Independent Variable:
The presence of white noise during sleep.
1
Summer, J. (2018). White Noise: How How To Use It for Better Sleep. [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-
sleep/white-noise [Accessed 11 Apr. 2022].
2
Thorpe, J.R. (2019). What White Noise Does To Your Brain, According To Experts. [online] Bustle. Available at: https://www.bustle.com/p/what-white-noise-
does-to-your-brain-according-to-experts-19271146 [Accessed 11 Apr. 2022].
3
sleep/white-noise [Accessed 11 Apr. 2022].
4
sleep/white-noise [Accessed 11 May 2022].
5
El Hangouche, A.J., Jniene, A., Aboudrar, S., Errguig, L., Rkain, H., Cherti, M. and Dakka, T. (2018). Relationship between poor quality sleep, excessive
daytime sleepiness and low academic performance in medical students. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, [online] Volume 9, pp.631–638.
doi:10.2147/amep.s162350.
6
Johns, M. (2010). About the ESS – Epworth Sleepiness Scale. [online] Epworthsleepinessscale.com. Available at: https://epworthsleepinessscale.com/about-the-
ess/ [Accessed 12 Apr. 2022].
7
Sleep Services Australia (2017). Epworth Sleepiness Scale Questionnaire. [online] Sleep Services Australia. Available at:
https://www.sleepservices.com.au/sleepiness-online-test/ [Accessed 12 Apr. 2022].
8
9
10
11
12
Dependent Variable:
Epworth Sleepiness Scores (/24)
Controlled Variables:
- Sleep log forms
- ESS forms
- Seven-day experiment duration
- Time of day ESS completed
Extraneous Variables:
- Participant’s sleep length and quality
- White noise file listened to
- Sleep environment
- Disturbances to sleep (loud noises, disruptive peers, discomfort)
- Pre-existing sleep disorders
- Sleep affecting medications
- If participants follow the procedure
Results
Table 1: The effect of white noise versus no white noise on Epworth Sleepiness Scores.
No White Noise Group White Noise Group

Mean Epworth
7.98 7.39
Sleepiness Score:
Table 1 displays each participant's mean Epworth Sleepiness Score calculated from their seven days of data. The data has been appropriately
sorted into No White Noise and White Noise groups. The No White Noise group has a mean of 7.98 /24, and the White Noise group has a mean
of 7.39 /24.
24
22
20
18
Median Epworth Sleepiness Score /24
16
14
12
10
8.64
8 7.79
0
No White Noise White Noise
Participant Group
Figure 1: White noise versus no white noise on median Epworth Sleepiness Scores.
Figure 1 displays the median Epworth Sleepiness Score from each group, calculated from the mean scores collected from participants. The
median score for the No White Noise group is 8.64 /24, and the median score for the White noise group is 7.79 /24.
Discussion
The mean scores in Table 1, 7.98 (NWN) and 7.39 (WN), are relatively concordant, with a difference of 0.59,
suggesting that white noise has a limited effect on lowering Epworth Sleepiness Scores.
When comparing the mean and median scores in Figure 1, the WN group always reports lower daytime sleepiness.
However, the mean WN score is 7.39, and the median is 7.79, suggesting the mean has been skewed slightly
downwards by a low outlier. The mean NWN score is 7.98, and the median is 8.64, suggesting the mean has been
skewed minimally by an outlier. These outliers can be identified in the raw data in Appendix 1 and 2.
The results found that participants who listened to the white noise recorded lower Epworth Sleepiness Scores, hence,
experienced less daytime sleepiness. This finding supports the hypothesis. However, only a minimal difference was
detected between the two groups. Because of this, it can’t be concluded whether the hypothesis was supported, as
there is no substantial difference. Although recent research suggests that white noise is beneficial in increasing sleep
quality and hence, reducing daytime sleepiness, the results from this experiment do not support this claim.
The extraneous variables and sources of uncertainty within the data mean it cannot be considered entirely valid or
reliable. Because the baseline daytime sleepiness of the WN individuals is unknown, the actual effects of listening to
the white noise cannot be determined. Although there is a ‘control’ group, the individual impact cannot be measured
as no two individuals are the same. It is unknown whether one group generally has more fatigued individuals than the
other due to underlying sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or insomnia impacting sleep quality and resulting in
higher scores. It is also unknown whether any participants took stimulants before completing the ESS, altering their
perception of their energy.
As participants completed the experiment without supervision, their compliance in listening to white noise, or not, is
unknown. If participants forgot or chose not to listen to the white noise, their results should not be used to represent
the WN group. However, there is no way of determining whether participants correctly followed the procedure. It is
also unknown whether participants completed their ESS forms at the correct time. If ESS forms were filled too early
in the day, participants would be unlikely to be experiencing the effects of daytime sleepiness. If they are completed
after the fact, participants may not be remembering their symptoms accurately.
These variables decrease the reliability of the data as the results would likely be inconsistent if the experiment were to
be repeated. As it is unknown how accurately the experiment has measured white noise’s effect on Epworth
Sleepiness Scores, the data validity is questionable.
Due to the small sample size of 54 participants and limited diversity among participants, this experiment cannot be
considered representative of the wider population. The division into the two variable groups was not even as 59% of
participants participated in the control group, and only 41% of participants listened to the white noise. The uneven
weighting of the groups limited the amount of data in the white-noise group and meant that outliers affected each
group differently. It is possible that the NWN group had more opportunities for outliers or that the limited data in the
WN group meant that outliers had more effect on the data.
Amongst both groups, 44% of participants were between the ages of 13-18 (age group 2), and 31% of participants
were aged 26-60 (age group 4), leaving a small percentage of participants of other ages. Men were under-represented
in this experiment, making up 25% of participants. These statistics continued into the smaller groups, with both NWN
and WN groups having high amounts of participants in age groups 2 and 4, and women making up 71% of the NWN
group and 68% of the WN group. In the global population, there is a close split of males and females, and and a near-
equal divide of age.13 Hence, the data found in this experiment cannot be used as an accurate representation of the
population. This could be improved with a more extensive and diverse sample, selected through random or stratified
sampling.
An experimental research design was used, evident through the manipulation of the independent variable and the
cause-and-effect relationship tested between white noise and daytime sleepiness. This design's advantages include the
ease with which researchers can establish a relationship between variables due to them being tested explicitly. The
highly detailed procedure for this design means the experiment can easily be repeated. However, as participants were
unsupervised for most of the experiment, the same results are unlikely to be obtained. Experimental designs are not
ecologically or externally valid due to the controlled nature of the variables. Hence, results from this experiment
cannot be considered representative of the population as participants were likely required to alter their typical sleep
routine.
13
United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects 2019, custom data acquired via website.
(age)
The data in this experiment was recorded through a subjective quantitative method as participants sel-reported their
symptoms via a numerical rating scale. An advantage of this method is that a substantial amount of data can be
obtained in a short period, and numerical values lend themselves to easy analysis. However, subjective data cannot be
considered valid as question perceptions may vary, and the integrity of participants cannot be verified. Quantitative
data also cannot explain results in the way qualitative data can. A potential improvement may be obtaining objective
quantitative data as it removes the potential for bias in the data.
Informed Consent was adhered to as all participants were informed thoroughly of the reasons behind the experiment
and its procedure. All participants were supplied with an information sheet on the experiment and were informed of
their rights when participating, particularly their right to withdraw at any point. Participants were asked to sign a
consent form for written documentation of their consent. Participants under the age of 16 needed parental consent to
ensure their safety. No deceit was necessary for this experiment to obtain specific results. However, participants may
have felt coerced to participate in performing better in the following assessment and may have coerced their recruits to
participate for the same reason.
Although it was attempted for the Confidentiality guideline to be followed by using participant ID numbers, no
measures were taken to prevent participants from discussing the experiment and revealing the identities of other
participants outside of the classroom. As most participants shared a class and knew one another, confidentiality was
not maintained as they could witness one another participating. The individual data recorded by each participant was
kept anonymous, assuming the participant ID number was not shared.
Conclusion
This experiment aimed to determine the effect of white noise on daytime sleepiness, assuming that it would lower it.
Although the results appear to support the hypothesis, definitive conclusions cannot be made due to the high levels of
bias and many extraneous variables present in this experiment. For firm conclusions to be made, further testing is
required with a broader sample, over an extended period, with further consideration to the individual differences
behind daytime sleepiness in people.
Word Count: 1499
Bibliography
Cherney, K. (2019). Best Time to Sleep for Different Age Groups: Benefits and Side Effects. [online] Healthline. Available
at: https://www.healthline.com/health/best-time-to-sleep#circadian-rhythm [Accessed 26 Apr. 2022].
Department for Health and Wellbeing (2022). Good Sleep = Good Health. [online] www.sahealth.sa.gov.au. Available at:
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/healthy+sleep/
good+sleep+good+health [Accessed 26 May 2022].
El Hangouche, A.J., Jniene, A., Aboudrar, S., Errguig, L., Rkain, H., Cherti, M. and Dakka, T. (2018). Relationship
between poor quality sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness and low academic performance in medical students. Advances in
Medical Education and Practice, [online] Volume 9, pp.631–638. doi:10.2147/amep.s162350.
Gebert, K. and Green, D., 2021. SACE Stage 2 Psychology Essentials Workbook. 1st ed. Adelaide: Adelaide Tuition
Centre.
Johns, M. (2010). About the ESS – Epworth Sleepiness Scale. [online] Epworthsleepinessscale.com. Available at:
https://epworthsleepinessscale.com/about-the-ess/ [Accessed 12 Apr. 2022].
Pacheco, D. (2020a). How Does Exercise Help Those With Chronic Insomnia? [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/exercise-and-insomnia [Accessed 25 May 2022].
Pacheco, D. (2020b). Why Do We Need Sleep? [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/why-do-we-need-sleep#:~:text=Sleep%20is%20an%20essential
%20function [Accessed 26 May 2022].
Pacheco, D. (2021). Improving Sleep Quality: How Is It Calculated? [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/how-is-sleep-quality-calculated [Accessed 25 May 2022].
Pacheco, D. (2022). How Can Exercise Affect Sleep? [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-activity/exercise-and-sleep#:~:text=Exercising%20also%20improves%20sleep
%20for [Accessed 26 May 2022].
Summer, J. (2018). White Noise: How How To Use It for Better Sleep. [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/white-noise [Accessed 11 May 2022].
Thorpe, J.R. (2019). What White Noise Does To Your Brain, According To Experts. [online] Bustle. Available at:
https://www.bustle.com/p/what-white-noise-does-to-your-brain-according-to-experts-19271146 [Accessed 11 Apr. 2022].
United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects
2019, custom data acquired via website. (age)
United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects
2019, custom data acquired via website. (sex)
Appendix
Appendix 1, White Noise raw data
Mean Hours of Sleep (per night - not including naps)
Total hours slept per week (including naps)
Mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (MAX. 24)

White Noise vs. Non white noise
Snowflakes score (MAX. 25)
Maze score (speed MAX 6)
Maze score (errors)

Age group
Gender
ID
712 F WN 4 47.5 6.78 7.57 15 4 13

202 F WN 2 53.75 7.67 6.71 12 4 1
NA M WN 4 40 5.71 4.28 0 4 3
652 F WN 2 66.75 9.53 9.85 22 4 9
690 F WN 2 54 7.71 5.42 16 3 7
558 M WN NA 61 8.71 9.42 14 5 8
582 NA WN 2 57 8.14 8.14 20 3 5
242 F WN 2 61.75 8.82 13.57 13 2 3
376 F WN 2 54.25 7.75 3.42 13 1 0
474 F WN 2 50.75 7.25 12.28 17 3 5
896 F WN 2 54 7.71 2.57 18 5 1
260 F WN 2 55 7.85 4.14 10 2 0
956 F WN 2 62 8.85 0.14 19 6 4
912 M WN 2 48.25 6.89 9.28 16 5 9
310 M WN 1 71 10.14 4.42 14 0 0
M
994 WN 4 46 6.57 3.71 9 4 5
520 F WN 4 47 6.71 11.57 3 5 5
526 F WN 4 53.25 7.6 8 6 1 4
450 F WN 4 53.5 7.64 12.28 5 2 4
NA F WN 4 54.75 7.82 6.28 3 3 5
536 F WN 4 44 6.28 8 16 4 6
172 M WN NA 46 6.57 11.57 10 5 5
53.70 7.67 7.39 12.32 3.41 4.64
Appendix 2, Non-White Noise raw data

Mean Hours of Sleep (per night - not including
Total hours slept per week (including naps)
Mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (MAX. 24)

White Noise vs. Non white noise
Snowflakes score (MAX. 25)
Maze score (speed MAX 6)
Maze score (errors)

Age group
Gender
naps)
ID
711 F NWN 2 47.5 6.78 10 14 2 8

581 F NWN 2 42 6 12 19 4 0
643 F NWN 2 48 6.85 17 8 2 7
111 F NWN 2 58.75 8.39 7.85 16 5 3
289 F NWN 2 55 7.85 11.42 18 5 1
923 M NWN 2 46.5 6.64 13.42 14 6 10
NA F NWN 4 43 6.14 2.71 11 1 0
721 F NWN 2 57.25 8.17 4.14 16 4 0
413 F NWN 4 51 7.28 17.1 6 2 3
245 F NWN 3 66.25 9.46 15.57 9 3 3
475 F NWN 2 57.25 8.17 6.28 16 4 1
797 M NWN 2 58.25 8.32 10 19 5 7
937 F NWN 2 44.5 6.35 12.85 21 4 2
165 F NWN 4 54 7.71 8.71 12 4 7
157 M NWN 2 51.75 7.39 1.28 13 4 7
819 F NWN 2 45 6.42 8.57 18 4 2
517 F NWN 2 54 7.71 3 13 1 1
435 NA NWN NA 45.25 6.46 12.71 16 3 4
163 F NWN 4 49.5 7.07 10.71 0 2 1
777 M NWN 4 48.75 6.96 1.57 13 3 10
831 F NWN 5 47.25 6.75 5.42 13 3 7
172 M NWN NA 57 8.14 9.14 NA NA NA
597 F NWN 4 60.75 8.67 2.71 11 1 2
321 F NWN 4 45 6.42 2.71 0 0 0
145 M NWN 3 49.5 7.07 9.14 11 5 3
797 F NWN 4 42.5 6.07 0.85 13 2 3
147 F NWN 3 57 8.14 4.85 16 4 2
391 M NWN 4 36.5 5.21 14 9 3 1
265 F NWN 1 70 10 0 4 1 0
NA F NWN 3 57.75 8.25 6.14 15 2 1
431 M NWN 1 64.5 9.21 1.71 8 2 2
683 F NWN NA 46 6.57 11.71 10 2 11

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Stage 2

The Effect of White Noise on Daytime

No White Noise Group White Noise Group

Mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (MAX. 24)

Snowflakes score (MAX. 25)

Maze score (speed MAX 6)

Maze score (errors)

712 F WN 4 47.5 6.78 7.57 15 4 13

Appendix 2, Non-White Noise raw data

Mean Epworth Sleepiness Score (MAX. 24)

Snowflakes score (MAX. 25)

Maze score (speed MAX 6)

Maze score (errors)

711 F NWN 2 47.5 6.78 10 14 2 8

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