An exploratory study of the correlation among selected psychological factors and the unsafe behavior of students in metalworking

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between: (1) selected psychological factors and (2) the unsafe behavior of students in performing laboratory activities in metalworking. The psychological factors analyzed in .the research were: (a) ability to perceive hazards, (b) aspiration to behave safely, (c) intelligence, (d) experience in metalworking (e) spatial perception, (f) mechanical comprehension, (g) attitude toward safety, (h) knowledge of metalworking safety, and (i) achievement in metalworking. An additional objective of the study was to determine the correlation of selected psychological factors that were under consideration with: (1) students' ability to perceive hazards and (2) their aspiration to behave safely. The correlation between these factors was also examined. A sample consisting of thirty-four students enrolled in the Department of Industrial Education at Murray State University was chosen for the research. The instruments used to examine the psychological factors that were included in the study consisted of: (1) selected standardized tests and (2) specially developed measuring instruments. Criteria representing the unsafe behavior of students were based on the number of (a) accidents, (b) minor injuries, and (c) unsafe acts they experienced during selected periods of time. Records of these incidents were accumulated by observing their occurrence on recorded video tapes of behavior. ...