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 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 prepare to drop the ruler?

  Holds it vertically with zero mark between fingers
• What should person 1 do when the ruler is dropped?

  Catch it with thumb and first finger
• What does person 2 record after person 1 catches the ruler?

  The measurement at the top of person one's thumb
• What should be done after the first test?

  Person one has a short rest
• Why do we calculate a mean from the tests?

  To get an average reaction time
• What is the independent variable in this experiment?

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

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

  Variables that must remain constant
• What are the control variables in this reaction time experiment?

  • Distance between thumb and first finger
  • Measurement taken at the top of the thumb
  • Room conditions (lighting, background 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 chemicals like caffeine
• How could practice affect reaction time?

  Reaction time may shorten with more practice
• How can the effect of hand dominance be tested?

  By testing both dominant and non-dominant hands
• How can caffeine's effect on reaction time be tested?

  By comparing normal and caffeine-free cola
• What safety checks should be made before testing with caffeine?

  Check for allergies or heart conditions
• Where should the test be conducted?

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

  • Vision workbook
  • Link provided in the video