RP7: Reaction Time

Question 1

What is the aim of this experiment?

Answer 1

• Investigate the effect of practice/repetition on the reaction time of a ruler drop test.

Question 2

Describe how you would investigate how practice affect reaction times in humans

Answer 2

1. Sit down on the chair and place your forearm of your weaker/non-dominant hand on the table with your hand hanging over the end of the table.
2. Have your partner hold a ruler with the bottom end in between your fingers so you can practice holding the ruler with 2 fingers.
3. Have your partner hold the ruler and remove your fingers.
4. Have your partner hold the ruler in line so that the 0 mark is level with the top of your
   thumb.
5. Your partner will drop the ruler without telling you beforehand, and you will catch the ruler
   as quickly as you can.
6. Note and record the number level with the top of your thumb after you have caught the ruler in a table such as below.
7. Repeat the test at least 5 times.
8. Swap places with your partner and repeat steps
9. Find reaction times by using a conversion table to convert the ruler measurements.

Question 3

List some sources of error

Answer 3

• Participants may have different experiences in performing a similar task previously i.e. some participants may already be practiced in this task.
• Sample size may be too small to make a valid conclusion.

Question 4

Define reaction time

Answer 4

• The time taken to respond to changes in the environment

Question 5

What other factors could you investigate in this experiment?

Answer 5

• Effect of caffeine, or exercise on reaction times

Question 6

What safety precautions should be taken during the experiment?

Answer 6

• Avoid injury from falling ruler