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Published on: October 24, 2018
Reliability and validity of electrothermometers and associated thermocouples
Lisa S Jutte1, Kenneth L Knight, Blaine C Long
1School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science at Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA. lsjutte@bsu.edu
Objective:
Examine thermocouple model uncertainty (reliability+validity).
Design:
First, a 3x3 repeated measures design with independent variables electrothermometers and thermocouple model. Second, a 1x3 repeated measures design with independent variable subprobe.
Intervention:
Three electrothermometers, 3 thermocouple models, a multi-sensor probe and a mercury thermometer measured a stable water bath.
Main Outcome Measures:
Temperature and absolute temperature differences between thermocouples and a mercury thermometer.
Results:
Thermocouple uncertainty was greater than manufactures'claims. For all thermocouple models, validity and reliability were better in the Iso-Themex than the Datalogger, but there were no practical differences between models within an electrothermometers. Validity of multi-sensor probes and thermocouples within a probe were not different but were greater than manufacturers'claims. Reliability of multiprobes and thermocouples within a probe were within manufacturers claims.
Conclusion:
Thermocouple models vary in reliability and validity. Scientists should test and report the uncertainty of their equipment rather than depending on manufactures' claims.
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