12th January 2004

Results of Richmond's Festive Season Trial are in!

The Hypothesis:
Provision of advent calendar chocolates on a daily basis leads to increased productivity, happiness and moderation rather than over indulgence

The results:

53.8% of volunteers gained 0-4 points, which suggested the hypothesis to be wrong
46.2% of volunteers gained 6-8 points, which suggested the hypothesis to be correct
46% of volunteers ate more than one choc per day (cheats! the protocol therefore perhaps needs to be enforced more thoroughly on off-site participants)
76% claimed it did encourage a proactive approach to the day
61% claimed to have suffered adverse reactions but equally 62% said it caused positive reactions too.

Conclusion:

Hypothesis:
Provision of advent calendar chocolates on a daily basis leads to increased productivity, happiness and moderation rather than over indulgence

The overall results conclude that the hypothesis is marginally wrong. The results indicate that whilst a daily dose of chocolate does lead to over indulgence, it does also kinder happiness. The fact that many volunteers ignored the dosing instructions means that the results had to be interpreted differently, and that the daily dose was perhaps too small for the purpose.

The productivity levels, however, were inconclusive and indicate the need for a further, more detailed trial at a different period in the year. We are currently working on a revised protocol for another early phase trial watch this space!

Disclaimer: This is a fictitious chocolate trial, based solely on festive fun. The hypothesis, methodology, results and actions stated on this calendar should not be taken seriously or attributed to either fact or fiction.

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