EVALUATING PERCEIVED AFFECTIVE QUALITY (PAQ) IN INFORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ADHD AND NON-ADHD STUDENTS

The study aims to explore students' audiovisual perceptions in informal learning environments at the I.D. Bilkent University campus, focusing on students diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The perceptual dimensions of indoor soundscapes play a crucial role in shaping how individuals experience their surroundings. In this context, an important area of inquiry is whether students with ADHD perceive these environments differently from their peers without ADHD. The 20 participants were evenly selected as "ADHD" and "non-ADHD" using the convenience sampling method on campus. The selection of four informal learning environments within the campus area prioritized the multifaceted environments for both learning and social activities and allowed them to work comfortably both individually and in groups, where they can also socialize. Method A from ISO/TS 12913-2:2019 was employed to conduct in-situ sound level measurements (LAeq), providing objective acoustic data to complement the analysis of students' perceptions in selected informal study environments. The findings showed that students diagnosed with ADHD displayed sensitivity to sensory stimuli, perceiving study environments as more chaotic, less calming, and generally less enjoyable than their non-ADHD peers. By contrast, non-ADHD participants consistently evaluated these environments more favorably, indicating more comfort and showing satisfaction.