Factors Contributing to the Stickiness of the Floor in the Proximity of the Kitchen Table in a Vienna Home

{This posted is contributed to the Sweet November by our resident researcher}



Since the recent purchase of their new home, the adult population has noticed a significant increase in the stickiness of their kitchen, mostly in proximity of the kitchen table. 100% of the adult population polled, which coincided with the residents most likely to clean up the stickiness, agreed with this statement. Of note is that this population had previous lived in a condo where the only dining area was carpeted. This paper is offered to summarize the research and conclusions made to determine the factors contributing to the stickiness.

Data Collection and Analysis

There were two main means of collecting data employed here:

1) Floor observations
Over the 9 week study period, numerous floor observations were made. These were made by sampling the area with intervals as short as one day to as long as one week. These samplings generally coincided with cleanings of the floor and were frequently tied to 1) the quantity of sticky substances on the floor, 2) whether guests would be visiting and 3) how much motivation there was to clean the floor.

2) Meal observations – during and shortly after
A striking trend was noted over this period. During the first 7 weeks of the data collection, an overwhelming majority of the stickiness was attributed to oatmeal and raisins. At this point, the observers began to cross-reference the food types found on the floor with the diners’ menu selections. Over this period, one diner (Dylan) was observed to have chosen oatmeal with raisins nearly every day with minor exceptions given to Saturdays when eggs or pancakes were eaten.

The following graphic shows the stickiness composition over the period:





However, during the next few weeks of observation, the addition of another child at meal time had significant affect. Cheerios began to show up on the floor in outstanding fashion. The following graphic shows the stickiness composition over the next period:

When these contributions are plotted over time, one can see a dramatic change in the contribution of each diner. Clearly, Lydia began to quickly contribute to the floor stickiness: Note that over this period, the quantity of sticky substances on the floor continued to increase. Dylan’s overall contribution did not decrease over this period, however the addition of Lydia’s substances brought his percentage down.

Conclusions

Factor #1: A rambunctious young boy


The energetic nature of this boy contributed significantly to the stickiness of the floor. The analysis of food particles and meal observations show this rambunctious boy as the largest contributor to floor stickiness. In fact, estimates place this factor as contributing 90-95% of all stickiness between 7/1/09 and 10/1/09. When asked for comment, he merely replied, “The floor is sticky!”

Factor #2: A less coordinated baby girl
The introduction of a child who is developing a pincher reflex and has little coordination is a significant contributor to floor stickiness. In a short while, she has managed to rival that of Dylan.

Mitigation Plan: As Dylan and Lydia have not demonstrated a willingness to change their menu selections, the only means of preventing the stickiness are:
· Continue to refine Dylan and Lydia’s coordination to ensure that 1) food gets to their mouths and 2) food stays in their mouths
· Just put a tarp on the floor