Ruler Drop

  • Hold ruler above persons hand and drop without warning

  • Measure the distance it falls before the person catches it

  • Repeat 5 times, calculate mean and remove anomalies

  • Use conversion tables to calculate reaction time

  • Repeat with other people

  • Independent Variable: Stimulant or depressant (sugary drink, caffeine, alcohol), weak vs dominant hand

  • Dependent Variable: Distance the ruler falls before getting caught

  • Control Variable: Same starting position of ruler, Same mass of ruler, Same age, BMI