Reaction time required practical

Question 1

Method for ruler drop

Answer 1

• The person sit with their arm resting against a table (prevents them from moving around)
• Hold a ruler vertically between their thumb and forefinger. Zero end should be in line with thumb and forefinger. Then, let go without warning.
• The person being tested should try to catch the ruler
• The reaction time is measure by the number on the ruler where it is caught (from the top of the thumb). The higher the number, the slower the reaction time.
• Repeat the test the calculate the mean distance that the ruler fell.

Question 2

control variables

Answer 2

• Same person to catch the ruler each time
• Ruler should always be dropped from the same height
• Read the ruler from the same place e.g. above the thumb

Question 3

Independent variables

Answer 3

Effect that something may have on reaction times e.g caffeine

Question 4

dependent variable

Answer 4

Reaction times

Question 5

How can computers be used to measure reaction times?

Answer 5

• Use a simple computer test e.g click the mouse as soon as a stimulus is seen on the screen
• More precise reaction time (removes human error)
• Can record to milliseconds and give a more accurate measurement
• Using a computer also removes the possibility that the person can predict when to respond