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Peppermint prepares test-takers, a study says
Saturday, December 29, 2007
MIDDLETOWN — Candy canes greeted test-takers at Middletown's Adult Education center Friday before the General Educational Development exam.
The purpose of the treats was two-fold: spread a little holiday cheer, and awaken the test-takers, said Principal Rose Marie Stiehl.
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At the Manchester School on Friday, GED test-takers were issued candy canes along with their answer sheets. Studies have shown that peppermint improves memory during testing situations.
At the Manchester School on Friday, candy canes were lined up for the test-takers. A NASA-funded study revealed that the smell of peppermint decreases fatigue and frustration by 15 percent and 25 percent respectively and increases alertness by 30 percent, said Stiehl. Ever since the study, the center has offered peppermints to test-takers.
"I believe it," she said. "It's both psychological and real. Any time you tell people they have an edge, it helps."
For the holidays, peppermint candy canes were distributed instead of the usual circular peppermint candies.
"As far as we know, we are the only testing site in the USA that offers free peppermints," she said.
Middletown's adult education program continually receives high marks from the state department of education and graduated its largest class ever in 2007 at 391 students.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2805 or mgildow@coxohio.com.
