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Attitudes toward the metric system 15 years later
W F Gayton1, J F Hearns, L Elgee
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04104, USA.
Psychological Reports
|May 16, 2001
Summary
Attitudes toward the metric system have remained stable over 15 years. A 1998 study found no significant shifts in public opinion compared to 1983 data, indicating consistent views on metric system adoption.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Background:
- Public attitudes towards the metric system in the United States have been a subject of interest.
- Previous research in 1983 indicated certain levels of public opinion regarding metrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if attitudes toward the metric system have changed between 1983 and 1998.
- To assess the stability of public opinion regarding metric system adoption over a 15-year period.
Main Methods:
- A follow-up study surveyed 132 subjects aged 18-45 using a 7-item questionnaire.
- Attitudes were measured on a 5-point Likert scale, with scores compared to a 1983 sample.
- Statistical analysis involved t tests to compare attitude scores between the two time periods.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in attitude scores toward the metric system between 1983 and 1998.
- This lack of significant difference was observed for both male and female participants.
- T-test results (t64 = .95 for men, t133 = .06 for women) did not reach statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- Public attitudes towards the metric system appear to be stable over a 15-year span.
- The findings suggest that opinions regarding the metric system did not significantly evolve between 1983 and 1998.
- Further research could explore factors influencing long-term attitudes toward metrication.