Stephen Matthews for Daily Mail Online:
Working in a poorly
lit office can make
people 'DIMWITS’
By Jayd Smith & Daniel Stapleton
Description
▰ Joel Soler was the lead author
of the study.
▰ Nile grass rats were used to
conduct the experiment.
▰ It was evident that the
hippocampus was negatively
effected.
Research and Theories
▰ Hawthorne Studies (1924)
▰
Hawthorne Plant of Western Electric Company, Chicago
▰
Studied relationship between level of light in office and worker
productivity
▰
Found no correlation, however concluded that there is far
more that goes into individuals’ productivity.
▰ Light Effect on Hippocampal Function (2017)
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▰
Joel Soler reopened experiment of Hawthorne Studies
▰
Exposed male Nile Grass rats to bright or dim light
▰
Over 4 weeks, found diminished learning and memory
retention
Implications
It can be concluded that brighter
light is beneficial in the workplace.
▰ Ways to improve lighting:
▰
▰
▰
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Situate employees closer to windows.
Install brighter lighting around the workplace.
Use brighter colours.
References
Matthews, S. (2018, February 7). Working in a poorly lit office can make
people 'DIMWITS': Study reveals it reduces the ability to
remember and learn. Daily Mail. Retrieved from
www.dailymail.co.uk
Soler, J. E., Robison, J. A., Núñez, A. A. & Yan, L. (2017). Hippocampus. Light
modulates hippocampal function and spatial learning in a
diurnal rodent species: A study using male nile grass rat
(Arvicanthis niloticus), 28(3), 189-200. Retrieved from Wiley
Online Library.
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