What is used to measure the time required to perform each step in a task?

The correct answer is the time-and-motion study, which is specifically designed to analyze and improve efficiency in task performance by measuring the time taken to complete each step involved in a specific task. It involves systematic observation and timing of the individual components of a job, allowing for a detailed understanding of how time is allocated throughout the task process. This method is invaluable in optimizing workflows and identifying areas for improvement, ultimately leading to increased productivity.

Other methods like workload studies primarily focus on the distribution and analysis of work across various tasks. Productivity sheets are typically used to record outcomes and performance metrics rather than the detailed timing of task components. Histograms are graphical representations of data distribution, making them unsuitable for measuring time-specific data in task performance. Each of these alternatives has its own application but does not serve the same purpose as a time-and-motion study.