RP07 - Reaction Time

• What is step 1 of the reaction time practical?

  Set up the participant
• What should the participant do when setting up?

  Rest non-dominant forearm on the table
• How should the partner hold the ruler during setup?

  Vertically, with 0 cm at thumb level
• What is step 2 of the reaction time practical?

  Perform the drop test
• What should the partner do in step 2?

  Release the ruler without warning
• What should the participant do during the ruler drop?

  Catch the ruler as quickly as possible
• What should you record after catching the ruler?

  The ruler measurement at thumb alignment
• What is step 3 of the reaction time practical?

  Repeat for accuracy
• How many times should you repeat the drop test?

  At least 5 times per participant
• Why do you repeat the drop test multiple times?

  To improve reliability
• What should you do after testing one participant?

  Swap roles and repeat the procedure
• What is step 4 of the reaction time practical?

  Convert and record
• How do you convert ruler distance to reaction time?

  Use a conversion table or formula
• In the formula $t =$$\sqrt{2s/a}$, what does "s" represent?


  Distance the ruler fell (in metres)
• In the formula $t =$$\sqrt{2s/a}$, what does "a" represent?


  Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)
• What is step 5 of the reaction time practical?

  Introduce an independent variable
• What type of variable can you introduce in step 5?

  Distraction, stimulant, or practice
• What is the aim of the reaction time practical?

  Investigate the effect of a factor on reaction time
• What is the independent variable in the reaction time practical?

  The condition affecting reaction time
• What is the dependent variable in the reaction time practical?

  The distance the ruler falls, converted to time
• Name a control variable for the reaction time practical.

  Use the same person to catch each time
• Give another control variable in the reaction time test.

  Use the same ruler for all attempts
• Give a third control variable in the reaction time test.

  Keep the environment the same for all trials
• Name one piece of equipment used in the ruler drop test.

  1 metre ruler
• Name another piece of equipment used in the ruler drop test.


  Table
• Name a third piece of equipment used in the ruler drop test.

  Chair
• What tool can you use to convert cm to reaction time?

  A conversion table
• What alternative method could be used to measure reaction time?

  A stopwatch or digital test
• What do you use to record the data in this practical?

  A recording table
• What is one possible source of error in the reaction time practical?

  Anticipation — participants may predict the drop
• What is another source of error in the reaction time test?

  Small sample size reduces validity
• How can previous experience affect results?

  Some participants may be trained in catching
• What human error can affect ruler reading?

  Misreading the value where the thumb caught
• Name one ethical consideration in the reaction time test.

  Avoid causing pressure or stress to participants
• Name a second ethical consideration for this practical.

  Respect privacy and allow withdrawal
• What safety issue should you be aware of in the ruler drop test?

  Don’t hit anyone with the ruler
• Why is it important to test both people in the pair?

  To compare and check for consistency