KINE 407: Reaction Time Lecture Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering reaction time definitions, stimuli types, response time components, types of RT tasks, Donder's Subtractive Method, and performance factors from the KINE 407 lecture.

Reaction Time (RT)

The interval of time between the onset of a signal (stimulus) and the initiation of a response, representing how long it takes a person to prepare and initiate movement, typically measured in milliseconds ($ms$).

Foreperiod

The time interval between the presentation of a warning signal and the onset of the stimulus or 'Go' signal.

Movement Time (MT)

The time interval between the initiation of a response and the termination of the response.

Response Time

The total time interval spanning from the onset of a signal (stimulus) to the termination of the response, calculated as Reaction Time plus Movement Time ($\text{Reaction Time} + \text{Movement Time}$).

Reaction Time Timeline

A temporal sequence diagram outlining performance intervals, starting from the Warning Signal through the Foreperiod to the 'Go' Signal, followed by Reaction Time (RT) up to Initiation of Response, Movement Time (MT) up to Termination of Response, and total Response Time.

Haptic Stimuli

A class of stimuli presented to a person via touch or physical sensation, such as electric shock or vibration.

Simple Reaction Time

The reaction time measured when a task situation involves only one stimulus that requires only one response.

Choice Reaction Time

The reaction time measured when a task situation involves more than one stimulus, and each specific signal requires its own unique, specified response.

Discrimination Reaction Time

The reaction time measured when a task situation involves more than one stimulus but only one response, which is made to only one designated signal while all other signals require no response.

Donder's Subtractive Method

An information processing framework that infers mental preparation stages (perception, cognition, action planning) by calculating differences in reaction times across simple, choice, and discrimination tasks.

Stimulus Recognition Time

In Donder's Subtractive Method, the time calculated by subtracting Simple Reaction Time from Discrimination Reaction Time ($\text{Discrimination RT} - \text{Simple RT}$).

Response Selection Time

In Donder's Subtractive Method, the time calculated by subtracting Discrimination Reaction Time from Choice Reaction Time ($\text{Choice RT} - \text{Discrimination RT}$).

Hick's Law

A fundamental rule in motor control stating that as the number of response choices increases, the time required to reach a decision and initiate a response increases.

Stimulus-Response Compatibility

The degree of spatial or anatomical correspondence between a stimulus and its required response, which influences reaction time through effects such as spatial relationship compatibility and the Stroop effect.

Alertness

A state of active attention characterized by high sensory awareness, which impacts both reaction time speed and the quality of the performed response.

Vigilance

The ability to maintain focused attention over extended periods in performance environments where action-requiring stimuli occur infrequently.