This is the seventh in a series of reports from the U. S. Metric Study, conducted by the National Bureau of Standards, focusing on the effects of increasing metric usage on the consumer American. Information on three areas--the level of knowledge of the American about the metric system, problems which would be encountered with a national policy of metrication, and methods of public education on the metric system--was obtained from a study by the Survey Research Center (SRC) and papers from experts on consumer concern. About 1,400 family units, representing a cross section of the country, were interviewed by the SRC. Attitudes and knowledge levels were given index values based on answers to several questions. Findings indicate widespread satisfaction with the present system and opposition to conversion. It is also suggested that resistance is due primarily to ignorance about the metric system, since the vast majority of those well-informed strongly favored its adoption. Television was the most popular means of public education. Experts agreed that the advantages outweighed the costs and problems of the conversion and felt the major disadvantage was the psychological one of adjustment. The 16 papers cover topics such as food purchasing and preparation, metric labeling, ready-made clothing, sewing, household equipment and furnishings, automobiles, and attitudes. For related documents, see SE 014 409, 014 410, 014 412, and 012 591. (JM)