Reaction Time

Question 1

Define reaction time

Answer 1

A measure of the time from the arrival of a suddenly presented unanticipated signal to the beginning of the response to it

Question 2

What is the basic flow chart of reaction time

Answer 2

Stimulus
Processing
Response

Question 3

Explain the flowchart

Answer 3

1. Period between warning and stimulus = fore period

• this should be random in length, as well as long enough to prep for stimulus
• should not be too long

2. Response time
   Divided into reaction time and movement time

Reaction time divided into premotor and motor

Question 4

Draw the reaction time graph

Answer 4

…

Question 5

Explain the expanded model of rt

Answer 5

Stimulus

Reaction time:
1. Stimulus identification
2. Response selection
3. Response programming

Movement

Question 6

Explain the concept of subtractive method

Answer 6

Donders

Assumes mental processes are serially organised, one process happens after another. Their durations can be isolated by subtracting reaction times of simpler tasks from harder ones.

Allow to estimate the durations of specific cognitive processes.

Question 7

Explain simple RT Donders subtractive method

Answer 7

Simple RT
Involves one stimulus and one response

E.g press button when light shows

Measures perception and motor response time

Question 8

Explain discrimination RT Donders RT

Answer 8

Go/ no go

Invokes multiple stimuli but only one requires a response

E.g press button when red light occurs, ignore other colours

Longer RT than simple

Measures perception, discrimination and motor response time

Question 9

Explain choice RT Donders RT

Answer 9

Multiple stimuli, each requiring a different response

E.g press one button when green light presented, another light when green light presented

Longest RT

Measure perception, discrimination, decision making and motor response time

Question 10

Explain the subtraction part

Answer 10

Discrimination time = discrimination RT - Simple RT

Choice (dec make) time = Choice RT - discrimination RT

Question 11

Evaluate Donders RT

Answer 11

• assumes mental processes serial, may overlap/same to
• modern research shows can in fact have parallel processes
• interaction effects, adding new processes can change efficiency and speed if other
• accuracy in subtraction