Final answer:
When selecting an initial weight within the subject's perceived capacity, it is important to consider the individual's strength and ability to handle the weight. Experimentation can be done by gradually increasing or decreasing the weight until the optimal load is found.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting an initial weight within the subject's perceived capacity, the load should be chosen carefully to ensure it is not too heavy or too light. It is important to consider the individual's strength and ability to handle the weight. Experimentation can be done by gradually increasing or decreasing the weight until the optimal load is found.
For example, in a study with two groups of participants, one group compared one-pound weights to two-pound weights, while the other group compared one-pound weights to slightly heavier weights like 1.1 pounds or 1.2 pounds. By comparing different weights, researchers can determine which weight is perceived as equal to the one-pound base weight.