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Relationship Between Perceived Clothing Comfort and Exam Performance
Abstract
Recent controlled laboratory studies have shown an effect of clothing comfort on cognitive performance. To test this relationship under naturalistic conditions, student scores on statistics exams were compared with comfort ratings. Prior to the exam, students rated their confidence in taking the exam, number of hours studied, comfort level, type of clothes being worn, and other relevant variables. To maintain naturalistic conditions, clothing was not manipulated but was self-selected. Controlling for other variables associated with exam performance, multiple regression results indicated a significant positive relationship between comfort ratings and exam scores, with the model explaining 48% of the variance in exam scores R2 = .48). As expected, the more formal the attire, the lower the comfort rating of that attire and the lower the exam score. This study provides further evidence of a relationship between perceived clothing comfort and cognitive performance.
... Posttask clothing perceptions Perceived comfort and awareness of the athletic clothing was assessed because these clothing characteristics have previously been associated with women's focus towards their bodies (Bell et al., 2003(Bell et al., , 2005de Bruin & Oudejans, 2018). An assessment of the similarity of the clothing to the clothing typically worn by participants was also performed to ensure participants were not accustomed to wearing the clothing outside of athletic contexts. ...
... It is interesting that perceived clothing comfort differed between clothing styles, but was not associated with MT. Perceived clothing (dis)comfort has been previously shown to impair visualmotor RT and cognitive performance by shifting focus away from the task at hand (Bell et al., 2003(Bell et al., , 2005. Here, it is likely that clothing comfort impacted resources for motor execution and motor planning. ...
The type of clothing worn, revealing versus concealing, can affect the performance of women on cognitive tasks. This difference in performance may arise because of changes in body awareness that may draw cognitive resources from the goal task. The present study investigated the influence of the style of athletic clothing and body awareness on visual-motor performance in women. Participants (women ages 18–35 years) were randomly assigned to wear tight and revealing (TR group, n = 40) or loose and concealing (LC group, n = 40) athletic clothing. All participants completed the same visual-motor aiming task to assess spatiotemporal measures of motor performance. In addition to the clothing, participants were primed to be conscious of their bodies via measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference; photographs taken of their bodies; a computerized body-size distortion task; and a mirror in the testing chamber. Results revealed that the TR group had increased movement time variability and did not show performance improvements relative to the LC group. These differences suggest that style of clothing may influence motor performance in women by reallocating cognitive resources towards the body and away from the motor task at hand. This research highlights the interactions between cognitive and motor processes and, potentially, the importance of considering the impact of clothing on performance in many different contexts.
... For a garment to be considered comfortable, it should encompass sensorial comfort, which describes the feeling of comfort across all sensations during wear (Kaplan & Okur, 2009;Liu & Little, 2009). Clothing comfort while wearing a school uniform is therefore very important and has been found to have a direct influence on academic performance (Bell et al., 2005). ...
This study aimed to deepen the understanding of the influence of the properties of school uniforms that may contribute to discomfort and irritation for children with sensory overreactivity. The specific objectives were (a) to identify the difficulties that children with sensory overreactivity experience when wearing a school uniform and (b) explore possible adaptations of the school uniform that can reduce the discomfort and irritation caused by the uniform. In this exploratory, qualitative study, four focus group interviews were conducted with a total sample of 16 participants. Mothers and occupational therapists that live and work with children with sensory overreactivity participated in this study. During thematic analysis, three themes emerged as important to understand the discomfort caused by a school uniform: textiles, design, and construction. This study contributes to the literature on school uniforms and the sensory aspects of clothing. Guidelines for parents are presented and future research possibilities are discussed.
... There is a growing body of evidence exploring the relationship between physical exertion and cognition 14-16 29 ; however, few studies have considered discomfort. 30 In the current study, the participants experienced difficulties completing the cognitive tests as it was uncomfortable for them to lift their head to look up at Original research the projector screen in some load configurations. This discomfort caused some participants to withdraw from the exercise test altogether, while others withdrew from the cognitive tests but continued marching. ...
Background
This study evaluated cognitive workload in soldiers undertaking a long duration march wearing different loads.
Methods
Military participants (n=12 men and n=10 women) performed four 3-hour loaded marches (12.25 km at 4.9 km/hour) wearing either 21 kg, 26 kg, 33 kg or 43 kg. During the march, accuracy and response time were measured using the verbal working memory n-back test (0, 1, 2 and 3) and two bespoke Go/No Go tests (visual/auditory) to assess inhibition of a pre-potent response.
Results
The physical demands of the march increased with load and march duration but remained at moderate intensity. N-back test accuracy ranged from 74% to 98% in men and 62% to 98% in women. Reduced accuracy was observed as load and time increased. Accuracy during the visual Go/No Go test also reduced with load, accuracy ranged from 69% to 89% in men and 65% to 90% in women. No differences due to load or time were observed during completion of the auditory Go/No Go task; accuracy ranged from 93% to 97% in men and 77% to 95% in women. A number of participants were unable to complete the march due to discomfort. Reports of discomfort were more frequent in women, which may have contributed to the greater reductions in accuracy observed.
Conclusion
These data provide further evidence that cognitive performance of military personnel can be affected during long duration loaded marching. Women reported discomfort from equipment more frequently than men, which may make them more susceptible to declines in cognitive performance. These findings highlight important considerations for equipment procurement.
... Lee, et al. [22] analyzed IEQ in air conditioned university classrooms in Hong Kong against self-reported learning performance, where respondents used a percentage value to best describe their own performance in four learningrelated activities: calculating, reading, understanding and typing. Bell, et al. [23] examined the relationship between clothing comfort and cognitive performance; student test scores were compared against comfort ratings in a single class. While these studies suggested a relationship between perceived comfort and academic achievement, there is little information available about how environmental parameters influence both sensations of thermal discomfort and student performance. ...
This paper presents preliminary data on a series of building comfort experiments conducted in the field. We performed physical in-situ measurements and solicited responses from 409 (184 female; 225 male) university students in six different classrooms at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst during three seasons (fall, winter and spring). Our questions focused on student perception of comfort in varied environmental (temperature and humidity, and air speed) conditions. We collected records of student academic performance in the classes, correlating their comfort perceptions to their test scores. Statistical analysis of classroom environmental variables, thermal satisfaction, and student scores suggest that by enhancing thermal comfort, we can improve academic performance.
... Clothing comfort is rated among its most important attributes [57,32]. Bell et al. [3] reported that clothing comfort rating was associated with performance on a cognitive exam. ...
This paper discusses a new approach being developed for modeling the dynamic behaviour of Vitruvius theory in apparel surfaces. This work extends the fashion design static draping model and includes dynamics, and extends constrained dynamics simulation techniques to yield performance enhancements. The new approach includes several steps. First step is set up the 3D garment of Vitruvius theory by using the method developed in this paper, based on the relationship, the algorithms and generation of rules for transferring style requirements to the parameter values of the fashion design of Vitruvius theory are developed. As such, the knowledge base can be constructed, and the intelligent design system of the 3D garment style is built, simulation remains a major challenge, even if applications are numerous, from rapid prototyping to e-commerce. A stable, real-time algorithm for animating Vitruvius theory apparel surfaces is developed.
... Clothing properties and its model and materials affect perceived comfort and mental and cognitive performance (Bell et al., 2005). Sore studies are performed concerning effects of heat stress and fit on perception of clothing comfort and cognitive performance (Brooks and Parsons, 1999;Hancock and Vasmatzidis, 2003), but a limited number of studies is carried out concerning direct relationship between clothing comfort and cognitive performance. ...
http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-15-3708-0
... Helmets are known to cause discomfort (Section 2.3.1). Thermal discomfort, caused by clothing or a warm environment, has been linked to degraded cognitive performance (Bell et al., 2005(Bell et al., , 2003Flouris et al., 2007;Gaoua et al., 2012). This motivated several groups to investigate the relationship between helmet-wearing and cognitive performance. ...
The thermal effects related to wearing headgear are complex and different studies have investigated single parts of this topic. This review aims at summarizing the different findings to give a complete overview on this topic as well as to suggest new perspectives. Headgear increases head insulation and therefore is mainly problematic under warm conditions, which is the focus of this review. Helmets do not affect physiological parameters other than the local skin temperature and sweat rate. However, the head is among the most sensitive body parts related to thermal comfort, thereby directly affecting the willingness to wear headgear. Several methods have been used to study thermal aspects of headgear, which could be categorized as (i) numerical, (ii) biophysical, (iii) combined numerical and biophysical, and (iv) user trials. The application of these methods established that heat transfer mainly takes place through radiation and convection. Headgear parameters relevant to these heat transfer pathways, are reviewed and suggestions are provided for improving existing headgear concepts and developing new concepts, ultimately leading to more accepted headgear. Relevance to industry: This review provides a sound basis for improving existing headgear concepts. Firstly, a concise overview of headgear research related to thermal effects is given, leading to empirically based improvement suggestions and identification of research fields with a high potential. Finally, relevant research methods are described facilitating evaluation in R&D processes.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between businesswomen’s choice of professional dress and four dress perception variables (ie comfort, employment orientation, appearance labor, availability of professional dress). The choice of professional dress is viewed along the fashion continuum, which ranges from “classic dress” to “innovative dress.” A model was developed based on systems theory, and variables were selected from previous research that relate to an individual’s perception of and attitude toward their professional dress as well as an individual’s population characteristics. Data were collected via an online survey managed by a marketing research company. Results of the multiple regression analysis and mean comparisons testing indicated significant relationships between businesswomen’s choice of professional dress and comfort, appearance labor (ie effort devoted to attire), and availability of professional dress (ie limited store availability) as well as age and education. Based on the findings, academic and practical suggestions as well as recommendations for future research were provided.
Background/purpose:
Neurophysiologic data on reactions of the human brain towards tactile stimuli evoked by fabrics moved on the skin are scarce. Furthermore, evaluation of fabrics' pleasantness using questionnaires suffers subjective biases. That is why we used a 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) to objectively evaluate real-time brain reactions to fabric-skin interactions.
Methods:
Tactile stimuli were triggered by selected fabrics of different qualities, i.e. modal/polyamide single jersey, cotton double rib and a jute fabric, applied hidden to either the palm or forearm of 24 subjects via a custom-made fabric-to-skin applicator called SOFIA. One-way anova analysis was carried out to verify the EEG data.
Results:
The modal/polyamide fabric applied to the forearm and palm led to slightly stronger emotional valence scores in the brain than the conventional or baseline fabric. Furthermore, the single jersey elicits significant higher event-related potential (ERP) signals in all subjects when applied to the forearm, suggesting less distraction and better cognitive resources during the fabric/skin interaction. The brain thus reacts with instantaneous ERP to tactile stimulation of fabrics and is able to discriminate different qualities via implicit preferences.
Conclusion:
The test procedure described here may be a tool to evaluate the fabric feel with the exclusion of subjective biases.
Comfort, a key quality of clothing and other fabric applications, has been shown to impact user performance. For the purposes of this review, comfort is categorized as thermal and sensory. Thermal comfort is primarily an issue of environmental conditions, metabolic rate, fabric characteristics, and clothing construction. Sensory comfort is primarily an issue of pressure, tactile, and psychological perceptions. Methods for evaluating fabric comfort are described. It is important to note that fabric characteristics and comfort can change over time while in use. Although objective fabric comfort testing and characterization are valuable, the most accurate means for assessing comfort are human-use tests under ecologically valid conditions.
This article presents a perspective on the relation between personality, job performance, and performance appraisal. The article is largely descriptive and discursive, but the key assumptions are primarily data-based. We begin by defining personality in terms of motivation, identity, and reputation - as opposed to traits. We then describe the role of social skills in allowing people successfully to pursue their major occupational goals. Finally, we suggest that performance appraisals reflect supervisors' judgments of rewardingness - the degree to which an incumbent meets or fulfills his or her boss's expectations regarding his or her performance - and these expectations may not necessarily concern the degree to which important organizational goals are met.
The process of adaptation to changing temperatures by means of choice of clothing was investigated. Classroom temperatures and children's clothing were recorded during the summer period for a total of 987 lessons. It was found that the percentage of children working in shirt-sleeves or summer dresses was strongly correlated with the classroom temperature. The clothing-temperature relation provided a new method of investigating thermal comfort by treating it as an hysteresis phenomenon.
Abstract Working memory may be defined as the system for the temporary maintenance and manipulation of information, necessary for the performance of such complex cognitive activities as comprehension, learning, and reasoning. Used in this sense, the term refers to an area of research that may or may not prove to be dependent on a single coherent system. Such a system is proposed within a broad and relatively speculative overview of human memory that emphasizes the putative role of working memory. This is followed by a brief account of a particular model of working memory, and a more detailed discussion of the way in which the various subcomponents of the model relate to other aspects of memory and cognition.
Our industrialized society places a premium on the ability to resolve visually fine-spatial detail in the environment. But the perceptual demands of new display systems may involve temporal acuity as much as spatial acuity. Inability to “switch” attention and fixation rapidly from one visual display to another may be a major factor in the “human error” component. We hypothesize that individuals differ in their temporal visual acuity and, if so, then scores on tests which tap this capability would be predictive of productivity on jobs and activities with these demand characteristics. A battery of five temporal factors tests implemented on a portable lap-top microcomputer was administered over several trials to 44 subjects. The tests exhibited satisfactory metric properties (stability, reliability), and did not appear to relate to commonly available global mental abilities. An off-the-shelf portable battery of temporal factors which stabilizes rapidly could have several important applications. First, individual differences in temporal acuity could be employed to improve job productivity to the extent that such abilities are at the basis of certain jobs and activities. Second, since time-course changes were evident with the tests, they can be used to study training implications of these temporal factors. Third, the results could be used to identify temporal aspects of visual displays for advancing understanding in engineering design.
Key methodological issues in sensory evaluation are discussed: the selection of subjects, the types of stimuli, the environments for testing, and the actual methods. Concerning subjects, we need to sample more broadly, consider cognitive and cultural factors. The stimuli in sensory evaluation need to be suffciently complex to permit analysis of realistic complex foods and even meals. Sensory evaluation must look beyond the laboratory to study other environments and the factors within them that control product acceptance. Choice of sensory method should be based on better methodological data on how methods perform and at what cost in resources. There is a need for more methodological research to establish the reliability and validity of sensory methods. Also, there is a need for integration of sensory and hedonic dimensions rather than separation of these dimensions.
Training strategies to reduce the well-documented (e.g., Linn & Petersen, 1985; Voyer, Voyer, & Bryden, 1995) gender difference in visual spatial ability were investigated. Participants (21 men, 21 women) were trained under 1 of 2 conditions to estimate the orientation angle of a ship viewed on a submarine periscope simulator. The data were analyzed in a 3 x 2 x 2 (Training Conditions x Gender x Test Session) mixed design with repeated measures over the last variable. A significant Training Condition x Gender interaction revealed large performance differences in favor of men in the control group and the group trained using an instruction manual. However, no significant gender difference was found for participants trained with repeated practice accompanied by feedback. This suggests that even a brief training session, using an appropriate instructional strategy, may be all that is required to increase the mental rotation performance of women to the level of men on a specific task. The benefit of the instruction was still evident when tested 3 weeks later; the gender difference was still absent.
A work simulation was conducted to test the effects of workload on stress and performance. Social support was also investigated as a moderator variable. Two hypotheses were tested: (a) stress is an intervening variable between workload and performance and (b) social support moderates the workload‐stress relation such that workload leads to lower stress when social support is high. For the 1st hypothesis, a path analysis showed an indirect relation between workload and performance with stress as an intervening variable. For the 2nd hypothesis, there was a significant 3‐way interaction between workload, social support, and time. The interaction showed that, in the early stages of the experiment, high social support led to higher (rather than lower) stress. This “reverse buffering effect” did not occur during later stages of the experiment. Several alternative explanations are offered regarding the reverse buffering finding, including the possibility that stress leads to social‐support seeking behavior. One practical implication of this study is that managers may need to take into consideration the employee workloads when developing performance goals.