Discussion:
Our study showed that certain parts of the human body are, on average, less sensitive and able to detect dual-point touch from a dermatome than others.
Our hypothesis was affirmed by this experiment in that certain features of the human body are more likely to recognize dual-point touch than others. We had several weaknesses in this experiment, including a lack of test subjects, and, therefore, a lack of raw data for analysis. Additionally, the method of measurement (mm) was a bit too small to be recorded with an acceptable amount of accuracy. For example, different researchers may interpret the results of the dermatome in context to a ruler differently than others, thereby skewing results. Also, the researchers performing this study ideally should not have been its key test subjects. The researchers were 67% women and 33% men, and a different conclusion could possibly be reached if this study were conducted with separate groups of men and women containing large numbers of test subjects of both sexes.
An idea for expansion of this experiment could include expanding testing beyond just the sense of touch, to one of the other four senses. To test the sense of hearing, an experiment could be designed which would determine at what distance from each other two noise making devices can be distinguished by the human ear. For example, two clicking devices which produce the same tone could be placed side by side. Both devices would emit noise so that the human listener would believe they were listening to only one device. Assuming the test subjects’ view of these devices is blocked, and the test is performed while holding these devices on the side of the persons’ face, the noise-making devices could be separated by a small distance at a time. One device would travel toward the front of the subject’s head while the other toward the back, and the experiment would determine at what point the listener could determine that in fact two devices were emitting this noise, rather than one.
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