Required Practical 7: Reaction Time

• What is the purpose of the practical described in the video?

  To measure a person's reaction time.
• What is the method for measuring reaction time in the practical?

  • Person 1 sits upright with their dominant arm overhanging a table.
  • Person 2 holds a ruler vertically between Person 1's thumb and first finger.
  • Person 2 drops the ruler at a random time.
  • Person 1 catches the ruler as quickly as possible.
  • Measurement is recorded at the top of Person 1's thumb.
  • The test is repeated several times to calculate a mean reaction time.
• What is the role of the independent variable in the experiment?

  The independent variable is the person having their reaction time tested.
• What is the dependent variable in the reaction time experiment?

  The dependent variable is the reaction time measured.
• What are the control variables in the reaction time experiment?

  • Distance between thumb and first finger should be constant.
  • Ruler measurement should always be taken at the top of the thumb.
  • Room conditions (lighting and background noise) should remain the same.
• Why is it important to keep control variables constant in the experiment?

  To ensure that the reaction time is accurately measured without external influences.
• 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 caffeine on reaction time.
• How could practice affect reaction time according to the video?

  It is expected that reaction time would become shorter with more practice.
• What is the expected outcome when testing reaction time with the dominant hand compared to the non-dominant hand?

  The reaction time is expected to be shorter with the dominant hand.
• How would you test the effect of caffeine on reaction time?

  • Administer a measured amount of caffeinated drink (e.g., Cola) half an hour before the test.
  • Compare the reaction time with the subject's normal reaction time.
  • Conduct a test using caffeine-free Cola for comparison.
• What precautions should be taken when testing subjects with caffeine?

  Check for allergies or heart conditions that might be affected by caffeine.
• Where should the reaction time test be conducted?

  In a lab where hazardous chemicals are not normally used.