Abstract
Sixteen observers palpated silicone models of human breasts containing lumps 1.6-12.1 mm in diameter. Detectability depended on the size of the lump, producing a systematic psychometric function. In eight observers who participated in three or more sessions, performance improved with practice, with most improvement occurring within one or two 26-trial sessions. Three-week retention measures disclosed no appreciable decrease in performance, but a significant correlation was found between the number of lumps detected and duration of trial (p < .01). There was no difference in performance between four observers who used their preferred hands and four observers who used their nonpreferred hands. These data establish that examination of breast models for the detection of lumps simulating cancer is a task amenable to experimental analysis.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Reference Notes
Capraro, V. C. Personal communication, August 1, 1975.
Cole. R. Personal communication. September 15, 1975.
References
Adair, F., Berg, J., Joubert, L., &Robbins, G. Long-term follow up of breast cancer patients: The 30-year report.Cancer. 1974.33. 1145–1150.
Delario, A. J.Breast cancer Factors modifying prognosis. New York: Macmillan, 1959.
Fisher, B., Slack, N. H.,&Bross, I. D. Cancer of the breast: Size of neoplasm and prognosis.Cancer, 1969,24. 1071–1080.
Haagensen, C. D.Diseases of the breast. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1971.
Spratt, J. S., &Donegan, W. L.Cancer of the breast. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1967.
Thiessen, E. Breast self-examination in proper perspective.Cancer. 1971,28. 1537–1545.
Wolfe, J. Analysis of 462 breast carcinomas.American Journal of Roentgenology. Radium Therapy and Nuclear Medicine, 1974.121. 846–853.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Adams, C.K., Hall, D.C., Pennypacker, H.S. et al. Lump detection in simulated human breasts. Perception & Psychophysics 20, 163–167 (1976). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03198595
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03198595