reaction time

• What should you be able to do by the end of the video on measuring reaction time?

  Describe how to measure a person's reaction time
• What is the method for measuring reaction time in the practical?

  • Two people work together
  • Person 1 sits upright with their dominant arm overhanging a table
  • Person 2 holds a ruler vertically
  • Person 2 drops the ruler randomly
  • Person 1 catches the ruler with their thumb and first finger
  • Measurement is recorded at the top of Person 1's thumb
  • The test is repeated several times to calculate a mean
• What position should Person 1 be in during the reaction time test?

  Person 1 should sit on a stool with good upright posture
• How is the ruler positioned before it is dropped?

  The zero centimeter mark should be between Person 1's thumb and first finger
• What should Person 1 do when the ruler is dropped?

  Catch the ruler with their thumb and first finger as quickly as possible
• What is recorded after Person 1 catches the ruler?

  The measurement on the ruler at the top of Person 1's thumb
• Why is it important for Person 1 to have a short rest between tests?

  To ensure accurate measurement of reaction time
• What is the purpose of switching places between Person 1 and Person 2?

  To see whether the two people have different reaction times
• What is the independent variable in this experiment?

  The person having the reaction time tested
• What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

  The reaction time
• What are the control variables in the reaction time experiment?

  • Distance between thumb and first finger should be constant
  • Ruler measurement should always be at the top of the thumb
  • Room conditions (lighting and background noise) should remain the same
• What could happen if control variables are not maintained in the experiment?

  It could affect the dependent variable, which is the reaction time
• What are some other independent variables that could be investigated in this experiment?

  • Effect of practice on reaction time
  • Reaction time with dominant vs. non-dominant hand
  • Effect of chemicals like caffeine on reaction time
• How could practice affect reaction time in the experiment?

  Reaction time might become shorter with more practice
• How can the effect of hand dominance be tested in the experiment?

  By testing reaction time with both the dominant and non-dominant hand
• How can caffeine be tested for its effect on reaction time?

  By having the subject drink a measured amount of cola before the experiment
• What is a potential issue when testing the effect of caffeine on reaction time?

  Other chemicals in cola could affect reaction time
• What should be checked before giving subjects caffeine?

  That they have no medical issues affected by caffeine
• Where should the test be conducted regarding safety?

  In a lab where hazardous chemicals are not normally used
• Where can students find questions related to this required practical?

  In the vision workbook linked in the video