Response Times Flashcards
What is the definition of response time
The time taken from the onset of a stimulus to the completion of a task
What is movement time
The time taken to complete a task
What is reaction time
The time taken from the onset of the stimulus to the onset of the response
What are the two types of reaction times
Simple reaction time (fast reaction) = onse specific response to one stimulus
Choice reaction time (slower reaction) = choosing from numerous stimuli and/or responses
What is Hick’s law
Reaction time increases as the number of choices/stimuli increases
What is the single channel hypothesis
Only one stimulus can be presented at a time
Explain the psychological refractory period
A delay when the second stimulus has been presented before the first has been processed
Define anticipation
The pre judging of a stimulus
Define spatial anticipation
The ability to predict WHAT will happen in the environment within a performance situation
Define temporal anticipation
The ability to predict the timing of a forthcoming stimulus
What are some factors affecting response times
- type of stimuli
Previous experience = advanced anticipation - gender = males are quicker
Age = slows with age - intensity of the stimuli
How to improve response times
- mental practice
- train to specific stimuli
- improve concentration/selective attention
- improve components of fitness = reaction time and speed
- improve anticipation/preparation before a game (research on opposition)
