Analysis of the Factors Affecting Noise in Schools Using Experimental Design

Abstract

Sounds that are high enough to negatively affect our perceiving are called noise. Noise adversely affects students’ success. The term (four different terms), the time when the noise measurement is taken (during courses or breaks), and location (corridor or classroom) are usually considered as main reasons of noise in schools. In this study, noise measurements are collected in several of Bursa’s primary and secondary schools and factors which affect noise significantly are investigated. To analyze the data, general full factorial experimental design with four factors (term, time, location and school) is constructed. MINITAB 17 and Brüel & Kjaer Measurement Partner Suite programs are used for data analysis. Analysis results indicate that noise values exceed the limit values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and also noise regulations currently in effect in Turkey. According to the experimental design results, for secondary schools, the school which has partial acoustic insulation, is less noisy than the school which doesn’t have any acoustic insulation. Similarly, for primary schools, it was observed that school which has partial acoustic insulation, is less noisy than the school which doesn’t have any acoustic insulation. Besides, among the four schools which measurements are collected, it was noted that the private school is less noisy than the selected public schools.

Keywords: Noise, noise pollution, experimental design, general full factorial designs

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/5-5-06