Heart rate corresponds to the different intervals of a heartbeat and is influenced in the sinoatrial node of the heart by parasympathetic and sympathetic inputs (Meule, et al., 2012). Heart rate is influenced by a person's physical conditions and health status (Thyer et al., 2010). Body weight, alcohol and smoking all influence our heart rate (Thyer et al., 2010; Karason et al., 1999). Our entire lifestyle influences our heart rate. From the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep, every activity of our day has an influence on whether our heart rate increases or decreases. A data collection sheet was given to me in class and I had to complete a questionnaire and a list of activities. Each student had their information entered into a spreadsheet where I then had to choose two activities. One activity has a higher heart rate than the other and this is what we need to find out using the scientific method. I hypothesize that the heart rate before rest is significantly lower than the heart rate when eating dinner. The steps used in the scientific method are the materials and methods, as well as the results that help determine whether the hypothesis was correct or false. Materials and MethodsTo complete the data sheet that I used to finalize my hypothesis, I was given a sheet containing a survey and different activities that I had to complete and check my pulse while I did them. The survey includes questions that ask if I smoke, exercise, drink coffee, drink soda, drink energy drinks, eat breakfast and dinner. Activities included resting, walking, taking bicycle tours, drinking water, drinking soda, drinking coffee, taking an exam, driving in traffic, eating breakfast, eating dinner, and waking up from sleep . I had to record my pulse before, during, five minutes after, and... middle of paper... a person is in good physical shape. Karason states that weight loss is associated with an increase in heart rate (1999). This concludes that if they were different people, the results would be different. In this experiment, my hypothesis was proven correct. Works Cited Karason, K., Molgaard, H., Wikstrand, J. and Sjostrom, L. (1999). Heart rate variability in obesity and the effect of weight loss. American Journal of Cardiology, 83, 1242-1247. Meule, A., Freund, R., Skirde, A., Vögele, C. and Kübler, A. (2012). Heart rate variability biofeedback reduces cravings in foodies. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 37(4), 241-251. Thayer, JF, Yamamoto, SS and Brosschot, JF (2010). The relationship between autonomic imbalance, heart rate variability and cardiovascular disease risk factors. International Journal of Cardiology, 141, 122–131.