Reaction time

What is reaction time?

The time taken for information processing to occur. The time between the onset of a stimulus and the start of a movement in response.

What is movement time?

The time taken from starting the movement to completing it. (Not the full race, just the initial movement).

What is response time?

The time from the onset of the stimulus to the completion of the movement. Reaction time + movement time.

What are the 2 types of reaction time?

Simple- only 1 possible response

Choice- several alternative responses

What does Hick’s law show?

As the number of possible alternatives increases, reaction time increases until a certain point (single channel hypothesis). It is important to practice in a varied format to reduce choice reaction time on open skills. This is the same for a skilled performer, just lower reaction times.

What is temporal anticipation?

Prediction of a situation.

What is spatial anticipation?

Pre-loading a skill

What is the Psychological Refractory Period (PRP)?

The period of time between the onset of stimulus 2 and the reaction to stimulus 1. This is because reaction 1 must be complete before reaction 2 can occur.

How does the PRP affect performance?

Using a dummy / fake such as a double dodge gives the opposition a time advantage as there is a delayed response to the second stimulus.

What is the single channel hypothesis?

The human brain can only process one piece of information at a time. When multiple stimuli are presented in rapid succession, the central decision-making mechanism acts as a bottleneck, forcing the brain to completely process the first stimulus before it can address the second.

In what 3 ways can information processing be improved?

1. Selective attention training- practicing in environments with controlled distractions helps performers learn what to ignore.

2. Highlighting key cues- coaches use verbal cues or video analysis to show what to focus on.

3. Experience- schema develops so we can recognise patterns more quickly.

What impact does good information processing have? 3

• Reduces perceptual load

• Speeds up decision making

• Lowers reaction time

In what 4 training ways can decision making be improved?

1. Varied practice- builds a larger schema (set of motor programmes) so the performer has more responses available.

2. Small sided games- increases frequency of decisions in sport-specific contexts.

3. Video based decision training- helps performers learn recognise patterns and anticipate opponents.

4. Mental rehearsal- strengthens neurological pathways.

What is the impact of better decision making? 3

• Faster, more accurate decisions

• Improved anticipation

• Better tactical understanding

How can output be improved? 3

1. Overlearning- skills become automatic (autonomous stage), reducing attentional demand.

2. Progressive part practice- helps build efficient, smooth moto programmes.

3. Feedback- intrinsic for experienced, extrinsic for beginners, KoR and KoP to refine techniques.

What is the impact of better output? 3

• Faster, smoother skill execution

• More consistent performance

• Frees up attentional capacity for decision making