title: Reliability and validity of electrothermometers and associated thermocouples.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Examine thermocouple model uncertainty (reliability+validity).
  
  
  METHODS
  First, a 3x3 repeated measures design with independent variables electrothermometers and thermocouple model. Second, a 1x3 repeated measures design with independent variable subprobe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three electrothermometers, 3 thermocouple models, a multi-sensor probe and a mercury thermometer measured a stable water bath.
  
  
  METHODS
  Temperature and absolute temperature differences between thermocouples and a mercury thermometer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thermocouple uncertainty was greater than manufactures'claims. For all thermocouple models, validity and reliability were better in the Iso-Themex than the Datalogger, but there were no practical differences between models within an electrothermometers. Validity of multi-sensor probes and thermocouples within a probe were not different but were greater than manufacturers'claims. Reliability of multiprobes and thermocouples within a probe were within manufacturers claims.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thermocouple models vary in reliability and validity. Scientists should test and report the uncertainty of their equipment rather than depending on manufactures' claims.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science at Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA. lsjutte@bsu.edu
authors.forename: Lisa S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Jutte
authors.forename: Kenneth L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: Blaine C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Long
mesh_terms: D012107:Research Design; D013817:Thermography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013821:Thermometers / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States