1.18.2011

bp's science: is there a perfect temperature? (v.1)

My brother has a favorite temperature, it's 64 degrees F. He says it's the perfect temperature for being active outside. You're never too hot, you're never too cold.

My mom had a temperature at which she would let us, as little kids, wear shorts. If the temperature was 75 degrees F and above, we could wear shorts. If it was less than 75, no shorts and that was it.

Right now in our home it's 71 degrees F. Not too bad, a little chilly, but good. And when I vacuum, perfect.

I came upon something however, that suggests there is a perfect temperature. A temperature at which performance is best, and that's 77 degrees. See the research here based on a Human Factor and Ergonomic Laboratory at Cornell (you can even see the full study in PowerPoint if desired. Cool stuff). The research found that, in an office setting, "the workers were keyboarding 100 percent of the time with a 10 percent error rate, but at 68 degrees, their keying rate went down to 54 percent of the time with a 25 percent error rate. . ."

So 77 degrees F, eh? Interesting. I bet my brother would love to test out how his favorite temperature held up in "being active outside" tests. I'm curious myself.

2 comments:

jo said...

I love this! What a fascinating idea. And did you find, in your research anything about the best temperature for burning fat? Or in other words, an optimal exercising temp. for burning calories? I'd benefit from that.

Ours perfect temperature here, up in the northern latitudes, seems to be just above freezing. Just kidding.

kel said...

very interesting. having worked a couple years in the typical office setting i am curious to know if employees are generally happier at the warmer temp.

and i agree with Beej's 64 degrees for optimum outdoor recreation weather.