Reaction Time practical

• 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 in this practical?

  • 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 randomly
  • Person 1 catches the ruler
  • Measurement is recorded
  • Test is repeated and mean 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 person 2 record during the test?

  Measurement at the top of person one's thumb
• 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 is the independent variable in this reaction time experiment?

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

  The measured reaction time
• How can practice affect reaction time in this experiment?

  • More catches may shorten reaction time
  • Reaction time may improve with practice
• How can the dominant hand affect reaction time?

  • Test with dominant and non-dominant hands
  • Expect shorter reaction time with dominant hand
• How can caffeine be tested for its effect on reaction time?

  • Test subject drinks cola before the test
  • Compare reaction time with normal and caffeine-free cola
  • Ensure safety regarding medical issues
• What should be checked before giving test subjects caffeine?

  Medical issues like allergies or heart conditions
• Where should the reaction time test be conducted?

  In a lab without hazardous chemicals
• What resource can help with questions on this practical?

  • Vision workbook available via a link