The effects of weight levels and gloves on the ability to discriminate weight difference

In this study, six different types of gloves commonly used in industry (surgical, cotton, nylon, leather, rubber, and whizard knife hand gloves) were evaluated at four different weight levels (8.2, 3, 1.5 and 0.25 kg). Six males and six females voluntarily took part in this study. The dependent variable was the difference limen (or difference threshold) (abbreviated as DL(%)) of the discriminating weight difference (DWD). A nested-factorial design with the subject nested under gender was employed. The results indicate that the weight level had a negatively significant effect on the DL(%). The mean difference thresholds were 3.49, 5.39, 6.08, and 9.45 for the weight levels at 8.2, 3, 1.5, and 0.25 kg, respectively. The individual difference becomes obvious when the weight level is relatively light (0.25 kg). However, the effects of gender, glove, gender x weight, and weight x glove were found to be insignificant, and there was no significant correlation between the DL(%) and glove characteristics (thickness and weight). Subsequently, four additional weight levels (0.01, 0.5, 1 and 15 kg) were considered, and a psychophysical equation was derived: DL(%) = 34.33 x W(0.238) (R2 = 0.98), where W represents the weight level. These results support the power function. A minimum weight difference with 90% confidence of correct detection was suggested.