B5: REACTION TIME

Question 1

What is reaction time?

Answer 1

the time taken for an individual to respond to stimuli (usually measured in ms)

Question 2

What factors affect reaction time?

Answer 2

-age
-sleep
-caffeine intake
-impairment of senses
-alcohol/drugs
-health/disability

Question 3

RP- Investigating rate of reaction time with caffeine: method

Answer 3

-person being tested should sit with their arm resting on the edge of a table
-hold a ruler vertically between their thumb and forefinger (make sure the 0 end of the ruler is level with their thumb and finger)
-let go without giving any warning
-the person being tested should try to catch the ruler as quickly as they can
-measure reaction time by the number on the ruler (from the top of the thumb) when it’s caught. The higher the number, the slower their reaction time
-repeat and calculate a mean distance
-the person being tested should then have a caffeinated drink. After 10 mins repeat the practical and record a mean distance
-use a conversion table to convert your ruler measurements into reaction time

Question 4

RP- Investigating rate of reaction time with caffeine: variables

Answer 4

IV - caffeine intake
DV- reaction time
CVs - sex, age, health etc

Question 5

Why is using a computer test to measure reaction time more valid than the ruler drop method?

Answer 5

-more precise as they remove possibly of human error from the measurement
-can provide a more accurate measurement as it has a higher resolution (can measure in ms)