Criterion B
Investigation
Some students wanted to see the effect of music on the growth of the plant.
Research question: What is the effect of different types of music (high and low frequency) on the
growth of a plant?
Hypothesis: Plants exposed to music with high-frequency sounds will show a greater growth rate
compared to plants exposed to music with low-frequency sounds, due to the stimulating effects of
the higher frequency vibrations.
Variables:
Independent variable: Type of music (low-frequency vs. high-frequency sounds or different
musical instruments).
Dependent variable: Growth of the plant (measured in terms of height, number of leaves,
and overall health).
Control variables:
1. Type of plant (e.g., same species of plant in all trials).
2. Amount of water provided.
Equipment Required:
Potted plants (same species and age).
Music playback device (such as a speaker).
Different types of music tracks (low-frequency and high-frequency sounds, or different
musical instruments).
Measuring tape or ruler for measuring plant height.
Stopwatch or timer (to control the duration of music exposure).
Thermometer to monitor temperature.
Light source with consistent intensity.
Soil and pots of equal size and type.
Watering can with measured amounts of water.
Manipulation of Variables:
The independent variable (type of music) will be manipulated by playing different types of
music (low vs. high frequency) for a specified duration each day.
Control variables will be kept consistent across all trials to ensure they do not influence the
results, such as providing the same amount of light, water, and ensuring the same plant
species and age.
Methodology:
1. Preparation:
o Select several pots of the same size and type, and plant an identical species of plant
in each.
o Place the plants in similar environmental conditions (same room, same light source,
etc.).
o Set up a music playback system to play the selected types of music (low-frequency or
high-frequency).
2. Grouping:
o Divide the plants into 3 groups:
Group 1: Exposed to low-frequency music.
Group 2: Exposed to high-frequency music.
Group 3: Control group (no music or exposure to natural sounds).
3. Music Exposure:
o Play music for the plants for a set period each day (e.g., 30 minutes).
o Ensure the same volume level and distance from the plants for all trials.
4. Data Collection:
o Measure the plant height, number of leaves, and general health of the plants at
regular intervals (e.g., daily or weekly).
o Record data for 5 trials per group to account for variability.
5. Observation:
o After the set time period (e.g., 2 weeks), compare the growth rates, noting any
observable differences in plant health, leaf size, and height.
Data Collection:
Measure the height of the plant from the soil to the highest point of the plant each day.
Count the number of leaves and observe the overall health (e.g., color, leaf size, wilting)
weekly.
Record any other notable differences or changes in plant growth.
Safety / Ethical Concerns:
1. Physical Safety: Ensure that equipment such as electrical devices (speakers, timers) are used
safely and do not pose a risk of electrical shock. Ensure water is not spilled on electrical
equipment.
2. Ethical Concerns:
o Ensure plants are not harmed or stressed in the experiment. If there is any evidence
of undue harm (e.g., leaves wilting due to prolonged exposure to high volume), the
experiment should be adjusted or stopped.
o Dispose of plants and materials ethically after the experiment.
3. Consistency: The plants should be treated equally in terms of care (e.g., same amount of
water, light, etc.), to avoid bias in the results.
