Participant study / ST-26-027
Consumer Compass Repeatability Observation
How repeatable are stationary readings from common consumer compasses when the observation point and reading procedure remain fixed?
Study overview
What the study involves.
This proposed study looks at how consistently an ordinary compass can be read from the same stationary point over several days. It compares repeatability rather than geographic accuracy and does not ask for coordinates, routes, photographs, or property details.
What you’ll do
- Select one safe stationary point where a compass can be read without obstructing a walkway or entering restricted property.
- Use the same body orientation and reading sequence for five observations on each assigned day.
- Record categorical agreement between readings and note only whether common nearby metal objects were present.
Who can take part
- Age 18 or older.
- Access to a basic magnetic compass intended for ordinary navigation or instruction.
- Access to one safe, stationary, non-sensitive observation point away from traffic.
- Able to repeat the same standing position and reading sequence on three nonconsecutive days.
Not part of this study
- No readings may be made while moving, driving, cycling, boating, or performing another task.
- No coordinates, maps, routes, addresses, photographs, device brands, or property descriptions are requested.
Study steps
How the study works.
Please follow the steps in order. If you miss an observation, leave it blank rather than trying to recreate it later.
Station
Choose one safe, non-sensitive observation point and keep its arrangement unchanged.
Orient
Use the same standing direction and hold the instrument level for each reading.
Repeat
Make five stationary readings in sequence on each assigned observation day.
Classify
Record agreement by fixed categories rather than coordinates or exact bearings.
Information used
What we ask for.
We ask only for the broad categories and observations listed below.
What we ask you to record
- General compass format selected from fixed categories.
- General observation setting selected as indoors, sheltered outdoors, or open outdoors.
- Categorical reading agreement and presence of common nearby metal objects.
- Availability for three nonconsecutive stationary observation days.
What we don’t ask for
- Coordinates, street address, travel route, property identity, maps, or photographs.
- Name, email address, telephone number, or identifying account information.
- Compass brand, serial number, purchase record, or device telemetry.
Sample questions
Examples of what you’ll be asked.
- 01
Did all five readings remain within the same marked interval?
- 02
Were ordinary metal objects present within arm's reach of the station?
- 03
Was the assigned standing position used for every reading?
Method notes
Why the method is structured this way.
- The proposed method uses categorical agreement bands because it is intended to compare repeatability, not determine geographic accuracy.
- A single fixed station reduces variation introduced by route changes, moving platforms, and different surrounding structures.
- Participants would stop the sequence when safe stationary observation is not possible.
Limitations
What the results cannot show.
- Consumer compass construction, local materials, and user technique vary and are not independently verified.
- Categorical readings cannot support a detailed magnetic survey or navigation decision.
- An interest screen evaluates only basic feasibility; it does not activate an observation interval.
Participate in this study
Study interest check
Tell us what type of compass and general setting you could use. Completing this short check gives you a reference number but does not enroll you in a study.