A study of psychological factors affecting micrometer measurement
Abstract
A study in applied psychology of various factors affecting torque discrimination and accuracy of micrometer measurement. The standard one-inch vernier micrometer caliper and special apparatus constructed by the author were used. A brief training program is described. The literature on accuracy of micrometer measurement was reviewed, including several unpublished studies. A definite trend was noted toward increased recognition of psychological factors. Difference limens for torque discrimination for 37 college students were established and compared with the torque required for zero micrometer measurements. Accuracy of 28 journeymen and 32 apprentice toolmakers and machinists was determined, and divided into reading accuracy and setting accuracy. The accuracy of use of personal and of unfamiliar micrometers was compared. A brief training program in micrometer measurement was established, using five college students as subjects. Errors at the end of the program were about one-third the size of those made by journeymen, but a test ten days later indicated regression of accuracy to about the mean of the industrial group.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Psychology
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