Required Practical 7:Reaction Time

• What should you be able to do by the end of the video?

  Describe how to measure reaction time
• What is the method for measuring reaction time?

  • Two people work together
  • Person 1 sits upright on a stool
  • Person 1's dominant arm is placed over the table
  • Person 2 holds a ruler vertically
  • Ruler is dropped at a random time
  • Person 1 catches the ruler quickly
  • Measurement is recorded at the thumb's top
  • Test is repeated several times
  • Mean reaction time is calculated
• What position should person 1 be in during the test?

  Upright on a stool
• How does person 2 initiate the reaction time test?

  By dropping the ruler at a random time
• What should you be able to do by the end of the video?

  Describe how to measure reaction time
• What is the method for measuring reaction time?

  • Two people work together
  • Person 1 sits upright on a stool
  • Person 1's dominant arm is placed over the table
  • Person 2 holds a ruler vertically
  • Ruler is dropped at a random time
  • Person 1 catches the ruler
  • Measurement is recorded at the thumb's top
  • Test is repeated several times
  • Mean reaction time is calculated
• What position should person 1 be in during the test?

  Upright on a stool
• How does person 2 initiate the reaction time test?

  By dropping the ruler at a random time
• What is recorded after person 1 catches the ruler?

  The measurement at the thumb's top
• Why is it important to repeat the test several times?

  To calculate a mean reaction time
• What is the independent variable in this experiment?

  The person being tested
• What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

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

  • Distance between thumb and finger
  • Measurement at the top of the thumb
  • Consistent room conditions (lighting, noise)
• What could happen if control variables change?

  It could affect the reaction time
• What are some other independent variables that could be investigated?

  • Effect of practice on reaction time
  • Hand used to catch the ruler
  • Impact of caffeine on reaction time
• How could practice affect reaction time?

  It may shorten reaction time with more tries
• How can the dominant hand affect reaction time?

  Dominant hand may have shorter reaction time
• How can caffeine affect reaction time?

  It may improve reaction time
• What should be checked before giving caffeine to test subjects?

  Medical issues that could be affected
• What resources are available for further questions on this practical?

  • Vision workbook
  • Link provided in the video
• Where should the test be conducted?

  In a lab without hazardous chemicals