NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

What are the two methods used to measure speech privacy in open offices?

1. Noise reduction coefficient and ceiling attenuation class

2. Articulation class and articulation index

3. Sound transmission class and background noise level

4. Speech privacy index and ceiling absorption rating

The correct answer is: Articulation class and articulation index

The correct answer focuses on the articulation class and articulation index, which are essential metrics for assessing speech privacy in open office environments. Articulation Class (AC) quantifies how well speech can be understood over background noise in a given space. It considers factors such as the design of the space and the materials used within it. A higher articulation class indicates better speech intelligibility, which suggests that conversations can be easily understood, thereby indicating poor speech privacy. The Articulation Index (AI) is a numerical representation of speech intelligibility that takes into account the ambient noise level and the speech spectrum. It measures the amount of speech that can be understood in the presence of background noise, helping to determine the effectiveness of sound insulation and overall speech privacy. A lower articulation index reflects better speech privacy since it means that speech is less intelligible over the noise. Understanding these metrics is vital for designers and architects aiming to create work environments that minimize distractions and maintain confidentiality in conversations.