After calculating the numbers and proving, at least theoretically that the reverberation time in the room is greatly enhanced by applying architectural modifications to the room, we felt the need to apply the theory. In order to explore the merits of modifying the space of Lawrence 115 we secured a velour curtain from the theater department and hung it on one of the walls in the room.
  • The test subjects were the students in the Friday morning classes.
  • The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether the acoustics of the room were altered in a positive manner .
  • The procedure involved passing out a survey (below) where the students would first, hopefully notice the change in the room and secondly, evaluate the room based on this change.
We designed the survey so as not to bias the test subjects towards the acoustics because after all, we wanted to know if the difference was perceived.

Although we did take into consideration all the answers our concern of course, focused on the responses that included the sound in the room.

Since 33% of the respondents felt that the acoustics of the room improved without knowing what was being tested, we can safely conclude that this is an important aspect to lecture attendees.

Below are some of the responses that impressed us in their evaluation:

  • Sound seems a bit richer and audience sound not as noticeable
  • My professor has a loud voice anyway, so he is well heard.
  • But it seems there is less echo/reverb. Perhaps, also student noise (motion) is not as loud with the curtain.

And there is one other comment that could have been categorized under a more religious category.

  • For 4 years I've had classes in this room and STRUGGLED to hear in every class. Acoustics were excellent today! Bless you!
Taking all the responses into consideration we categorized each of the options by assigning them a number where "The room is brighter" is variable 1, "This is absurd but I will cooperate with my fellow students" is 6, and "This is silly" number 15.

(Graph 1)
Breaking these categories even further we could group them together as follows:

(Graph 2)
Finally, we would like to present a response to the survey that needs no explanation: