Reaction Times Flashcards
How can reaction times be affected?
tiredness, drugs, alcohol, and distractions can either increase or decrease reaction times.
What is a typical range for reaction times?
A typical range for reaction times is between 0.2 and 0.9 seconds
What is the ruler drop test, and how does it measure reaction time?
1)The ruler drop test involves sitting with your arm resting on a table and having someone else hold a ruler so that it hangs between your thumb and forefinger, lined up with zero.
2)Without warning, the person holding the ruler drops it, and you try to catch it as quickly as possible.
3)The distance the ruler falls before you catch it indicates your reaction time, with a longer distance indicating a longer reaction time.
4)This test allows for the measurement of reaction time using the constant acceleration due to gravity.
How would you calculate your reaction time from the ruler drop test?
1)E.g. say you catch the ruler at 20 cm —- you would use the calculation v^2-u^2=2as
2)u = 0, a = 9.8 m/s* and s = 0.2 m, so: v = the square root of 2 × 9.8 × 0.2 + 0 = 1.97… m/s
3) v is equal to the change in velocity of the ruler.
4) a= the change in v/t so t= the change in v /a =1.97…/9.8=0.202
