THE EFFECT OF THOUGHTS ON A CANDLE FLAME

Eliza ManciniMrs. Pietrangelo

Hypothesis

Problem: Can a thought affect the properties of an object?

Hypothesis: If the thoughts on a candle flame are positive then the flame will burn more vigorously.

Null: The thoughts on a candle flame will not effect way the candle burns.

My Reasoning

Read Dan Brown’s book the Lost Symbol

Introduced me to noetics

I’m fascinated by things that seem improvable

Basic Concepts

Noetic Science: a single thought contains mass

Telekinesis: ability to move objects with the mind

Mental Acuity: how quick or sharp the mind is

Thought: product or reaction of mental activity

Design Diagram

LEVELS Positive Thoughts

Negative Thoughts No thoughts (control)

TRIALS 30 30 30

IV: The thoughts on the candleDV: The vigor of the candle flame, measured by wax melted in centimeters.

Design Diagram Cnt.

Constants: Type of Candle Types of thought per trial Stop watch used Ruler used Amount of time Type of lighter Type of lighter fluid

Procedure

***THIS EXPERIMENT MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT AT ALL TIMES***

• Gather 30 willing subjects and complete consent form

• Have subject look at 2 candles separately and assign thoughts

• Light the candle for 1:30 then snuff• Measure the burnt wick and record data

Safety Precautions

Fire hazard

May cause slight stress to the subject

Requires focus and attention which may strain some

Results

Average Control: 0.93cm

Average Positive: 1.01cm

Average Negative: 0.81cm

Statistical Analysis

Sum of Squares

DF Mean Square

Fisher-F Value

Significance (p)

Between Groups

0.608 2 0.304 16.267 0.000

Within Groups

1.626 87 0.019

Total 2.234 89

Statistical Analysis

My p value was less than .001, meaning there was a less than .001% chance that my results were due to chance.

p<.001

Graphed Averages

Control Positive Negative0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

The Effect Thoughts Have on a Candle Flame

Type of Thought Measured in cm

Conclusion

My null hypothesis was rejected and my hypothesis was supported

~0% chance that my results were due to chance

Thoughts can affect the characteristics/properties of a candle flame.

Errors and Improvements

Measuring method Range of age of people The thoughts could have varied

Use a triple beam balance rather than a ruler

Use a single age group Try not to rely on thoughts because of

how uncontainable they are

Applications and Extensions

Mind Control Aiding the disabled

Solely focusing on whether the thought is negative or positive

Testing how age affects the strength of one’s thoughts

Special Thanks To…

Mrs. Pietrangelo

My Mom

My subjects

The Internet

Sources

"Acuity, thought, telekinesis, noetic." Dictionary.com. 2010. 17 Oct. 2010<http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/>.

"Calculate The Estimated Burn Time for a Candle." Candle & Soap Making Techniques. 2002-2005. Intermountain Connect. 11 Oct. 2010<http://www.candletech.com/calculator/burntime.php>.

"Fire - Oxygen to CO2." Ask the Van- Illinois Department of Physics. 24 July 2006.UIUC Department of Physics. 17 Oct. 2010<http://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=1539>

Glass, Don. "What is Fire." A Moment of Science. 31 Dec. 2008. Indiana Public Media.16 Oct. 2010 <http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/fire/>.

Nagourney, Eric. "VITAL SIGNS: AGING; A Pick-Me-Up for Sagging Mental Acuity." New York Times01 Jan. 2002.