A forecast for the metric training of skilled industrial workers, technicians, and technologists during a period of national metrication

Abstract

Through the early 1970's there has been much speculation that the U.S. will adopt the metric system of weights and measurements as its primary measurement system. The problem of this study was, therefore, to provide a forecast of the training problems, conditions, and requirements of skilled industrial workers, technicians, and technologists of industry, for effective implementation of the metric system of measurement into their jobs and into the industrial setting, within the years of national metrification as decided upon through government legislation. A forecast of such breadth required the fields of knowledge of economics, politics, sociology, psychology, education, and industry as well as knowledge of the metric system. For this reason experts were chosen as the data source for the forecast rather than persons picked at random who may have little metric knowledge. The Delphi research design was selected to gather data because it maximizes use of expert opinion and provides a degree of feedback between experts to achieve consensus of final expert opinion. Through the Delphi process, the panel of selected experts submitted statements that were edited and formed into a questionnaire and then answered the questionnaire. After scoring, the questionnaire was again presented to the experts so they could revise their responses to fit group opinion or provide reason for their divergence. ...