Pointer location and accuracy of dial reading

Abstract

3 dials were studied: a semicircular upright, a semicircular inverted, and a circular dial. 10 subjects made a total of 4,100 judgments at 5 exposure times. Error scores were used for significance tests. Shape of dial, sector location of pointer, and upper vs. lower semicircular halves showed no significant differences as sources of error. Significantly fewer errors were made at pointer settings corresponding to 9, 12, 3, and 6 o'clock positions. The authors conclude that these positions should be used for critical reading regions in constructing dials, and that "… factors other than errors may be considered in the choice of a dial from among the three types studied here." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)