Body temperature is defined by the level of heat produced and sustained by the body processes. A person's body temperature is one of the vital signs to be taken to indicate any abnormalities which could be fatal. Therefore, we should be aware of the most accurate route to obtain temperature.
Methods of measuring body temperature:
- Oral: thermometer placed under the tongue in the mouth
- Axillary: thermometer placed under the axilla
- Rectal: thermometer placed in the anus
- Tympanic: thermoscan placed into the ear canal (infrared)
- Skin: band thermometer placed on forehead
Research question
Is there a relationship between a person's oral temperature and axillary temperature?
Hypothesis
a) Null hypothesis:
There is NO significant relationship between a person's oral temperature and axillary temperature.
b) Research hypothesis:
There IS a significant relationship between a person's oral temperature and axillary temperature.
Defining variables
Variable 1: Oral temperature
Variable 2: Axillary temperature
Extraneous variable: Gender, activity, environment
Gender
Males basal metabolic rate is higher than females, hence they tend to have higher temperature.
However, menstruation and pregnancy affects temperature in females.
Activity (Exercise)
Body muscles change stored energy into usable energy, heat is given off.
Environment (Weather)
Heat is transferred to circulating air, cool air moves across the surface of body, causing heat loss through convection.
Conceptualization
A person's body temperature is measured in degrees Celcius.
Operationalization
Body temperature is measured using a digital thermometer.
1) Oral temperature: Thermometer placed under respondent's tongue
Axillary temperature: Thermometer placed under respondent's armpit
2) Thermosheath was used to maintain consistency and hygiene.
3) Calibration
All the thermometers involved in data collection are tested by immersing the tip into a same glass of warm water at the same time. All thermometers tested showed the same reading, displaying reliability of instrument.
4) Data collection
Data was collected from a group of males and females, age ranging from 18-23 years old.
Factors affecting results
- Consumption of hot/cold drinks
- Post-activity e.g. exercise
- After smoking and drinking
- Wrong placement of thermometer
- Thermometer with weak battery
- Thermometer taken out before readings confirmed
Precautions taken
- Ensure battery is not weak
- Provide respondents clear instruction on thermometer placement
- Ensure respondents avoid all factors that affect temperature reading as listed above
- Remove thermometer only after the thermometer beep
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