Investigating the influence of environmental information on perceived indoor environmental quality: An exploratory study

Under the assumption that information can impact perception, most research on human sensation and satisfaction with indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters has been conducted respondents uninformed about test conditions. Therefore, researchers know little of perception. These potential effects are increasingly relevant as quantitative environments becomes accessible via low-cost, wirelessly connected sensors. In this experimental study, 48 subjects were exposed to varied conditions provided different types information. The subjects' compared when they blinded or and/or qualitative ratings specific parameters. results indicate accurate parameter values influenced how perceived air (IAQ) but not thermal, acoustic, visual quality. rated IAQ more positively informed there nonzero ventilation rates. perceptions all four factors, in directions. generally had positive higher told favorable than However, improved often good actually findings affirm critical need for impacts environment.