Investigating reaction time - practical

• What is the main purpose of the practical described in the study material?

  To investigate reaction time
• How should the person being tested position their arm during the reaction time test?


  Their arm should be resting on the edge of a table
• What should the person being tested do when the ruler is dropped?


  They should try to catch the ruler
• What does the number on the ruler indicate when caught?


  The higher the number, the slower their reaction time
• What should be calculated after the ruler test?


  The mean distance that the ruler fell
• What should the person being tested do before repeating the test?

  They should have a caffeinated drink
• Why is it important to control variables in the reaction time experiment?


  To ensure a fair test
• What is one example of a variable that should be controlled during the investigation?


  The same person should catch the ruler each time
• What is a potential side effect of consuming too much caffeine?


  Unpleasant side effects
• How can reaction time also be measured besides the ruler test?


  Using simple computer tests
• What advantage do computers have in measuring reaction time?


  They provide a more precise measurement
• How do computers eliminate human error in reaction time tests?


  They remove the possibility of human factors from the measurement
• What was the method used by students to investigate the effect of an energy drink on reaction time?


  They measured reaction times using a computer test
• What did the students have to do when the screen changed from red to green?


  Click the mouse
• How many times did each student repeat the test before and after having an energy drink?

  Five times
• What was the mean reaction time for one of the students before having the energy drink if their times were 242 ms, 256 ms, 253 ms, 249 ms, and 235 ms?


  $\text{Mean} =$$\frac{242 + 256 + 253 + 249 + 235}{5} =$$\frac{1235}{5} =$$247 \text{ ms}$
• What is the significance of measuring reaction time in milliseconds?


  It provides a more accurate measurement
• Why might a person be able to predict when to respond in the ruler test?


  They may learn to anticipate the drop by reading the tester's body language
• What are the key steps in conducting the reaction time experiment?


  1. Position the arm on the table.
  2. Drop the ruler without warning.
  3. Catch the ruler and record the number.
  4. Calculate the mean distance.
  5. Repeat after consuming caffeine.
  6. Control variables for fairness.
• What are the potential effects of caffeine on reaction time?


  • Can improve reaction time
  • Too much caffeine can cause unpleasant side effects
  • Should avoid excessive caffeine after testing
• What are the advantages of using a computer for measuring reaction time?


  • More precise measurements
  • Eliminates human error
  • Records reaction time in milliseconds