Exercise 2: Pos/Neg factors that influence Reaction Time

Age

Positive and Negative

Age (description)

both males & females, reaction time shortens from infancy into late 20s, then increase slowly until the 50s & 60s, & then lengthens faster as the person gets into 70s and beyond

Arousal

Positive and Negative

Arousal (description)

reaction time is fastest with an intermediate reaction level of arousal, and deteriorates when the subject is either too relaxed or too tense

Distraction

Positive

Distraction (description)

distractions increase reaction time significantly, especially in younger individuals

Gender

Positive and Negative

Gender (description)

males generally have faster reaction times than females

Practice

Negative

Practice (description)

practice at a task decreased reaction time

Errors

Positive

Errors (description)

when a volunteer makes an error (like pressing the button before the stimulus is presented), subsequent reaction times are slower likely due to the subject being more cautious

Fatigue

Positive

Fatigue (description)

reaction time deterioration due to fatigue is more marked when the task is complicated than when it is simple. Mental fatigue, especially sleepiness, has the greatest effect

Punishment

Negative

Punishment (description)

Shocking a subject when he reacts slowly does shorten reaction time

(experiments are not replicated for obvious reasons)

Drugs

Positive and Negative

Drugs (description)

Stimulants tend to decrease reaction time to a point, as stated in arousal. Depressants often increase reaction times

Warnings

Negative

Warnings (description)

Generally, reaction times are fastest when the subject has been warned that a stimulus will arrive soon