REACTION TIME LAB

NAME:
DISCUSSION:

Have you ever wondered what your reaction time is?

When we measure time using a stop watch, there is a time delay between the time our eyes see the
event, and the time that our hands actually stop the watch. In this lab, you will be taking
measurements so that you can calculate what this time (called your reaction time) is for both of your
hands. In the blank, write down what you think your reaction time is:

MATERIALS:

meter stick/metric ruler

music producing device

PROCEDURE:
Record all your measurements in the data table.
1. Have your partner hold the stick/ruler and place your dominant hand at the bottom of the
stick/ruler.
2. At random times have your partner let go of the ruler/stick while you grab it as soon as you see it
released. DO NOT guess when it will be released!
3. Record your results on the data table.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until you have 10 trials completed for your dominant hand.
5. Repeat steps 1-4, except this time us your non-dominant hand.
6. Following the above procedures, collect 10 trials for each of the additional scenario:
a) No distractions, looking directly at the meter stick.
b) No distractions, using your peripheral vision.
c) Looking at the meter stick while singing along to a song.
d) Singing a song and using your peripheral vision.
7. Use the formula below to calculate the reaction time based on the distance the meter stick fell.
Remember that the amount of time the meter stick was in the air is the same as the amount of time it
took to react to seeing it fall.
d = gt2 where
d = the distance the meter stick fell, in cm
g = the acceleration of gravity, 9.81 m/s2
t = the time the meter stick was falling, in s
Be sure to convert the distance fell from cm to m before plugging it into the formula!

DATA TABLE 1:

Reaction Time for Several Different, Common Scenarios

Trial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Average

Direct, No
Distractions
Hand Type Used
Dominan Nont
dominant

Distance (in cm) for:

Direct, One
Peripheral, No distr.
Distraction
Hand Type Used
Hand Type Used
Dominan NonDominan Nont
t
dominant
dominant

Peripheral, One
distraction.
Hand Type Used
Dominan
t
Non-dominant

*Convert the distances to times using the equation above. Show at least one example calculation in the space below.

DATA TABLE 2:
Reaction Time for Several Different, Common Scenarios

Trial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Average

Direct, No
Distractions
Hand Type Used
Dominan Nont
dominant

Time (in s) for:

Direct, One
Peripheral, No distr.
Distraction
Hand Type Used
Hand Type Used
Dominan NonDominan Nont
t
dominant
dominant

Peripheral, One
distraction.
Hand Type Used
Dominan
t
Non-dominant

Conclusions & Discussion:

1. What was your average reaction time (in seconds) for each hand, in each
scenario?

2. Compare your left and right hand average times. How do you explain the
difference between the two?

3. What relationship did you find between your reaction time and distractions?

4. Assuming the distance from your fingers to your brain is 110.cm, calculate
how fast your brain impulses travel (m/s) for your fastest and slowest time.

5. Extra credit: Calculate how many feet you would travel in a car, if it is
traveling at 60mi/hr, during your reaction time.