Measurement in Time Lab
Measurement of reaction time
Measurement of reaction time
Aim of the experiment
To record reaction times to visual cues using the iworx equipment
To compare and contrast the reaction time when provided randomly vs. fixed time intervals, and upon repetition.
Introduction
Our bodies react appropriately to changes that occur in the environment during our day-to-day activities. When responding, an external stimulus has to be detected by one or more neurons. These then send this sensory information to the nervous system where processing occurs. If a motor signal is started, it usually involves a number of action potentials, which lead to muscle contraction and movement of other parts of the body in reaction to that external stimulus. For example, loud sounds or anything flying at close proximity to your eyes makes one blink while tapping the tendon which is under the knee cap produces a knee jerk reflex (Bessière et al., 2008).
Usually, simple reflexes like the myotactic reflexes are produced through single synapses occurring between motor neurons and sensory axons. The required circuitry for this reflex is confirmed in the spinal cord. The sensory information generated is then transferred to the nervous system. More complex reflexes usually involve many inter neurons and a number of motor neurons. This, in turn, involves more synapses and neurons thus resulting in a relatively longer delay between stimulus and response. This is often a complex response. An example of this complex reflex is flexion withdrawal reflex whereby noxious stimulation to one leg causes withdrawal of the same and extension of the other leg (Ebner, 2005).
This experiment will help the students learn the time taken between stimulus and responses. The reaction time obtained will be from an individual who has been subjected to a harmless sound and visual stimuli. In addition to these, the effect of prediction and priming will be examined.
Materials and
Measurement of reaction time
Aim of the experiment
To record reaction times to visual cues using the iworx equipment
To compare and contrast the reaction time when provided randomly vs. fixed time intervals, and upon repetition.
Introduction
Our bodies react appropriately to changes that occur in the environment during our day-to-day activities. When responding, an external stimulus has to be detected by one or more neurons. These then send this sensory information to the nervous system where processing occurs. If a motor signal is started, it usually involves a number of action potentials, which lead to muscle contraction and movement of other parts of the body in reaction to that external stimulus. For example, loud sounds or anything flying at close proximity to your eyes makes one blink while tapping the tendon which is under the knee cap produces a knee jerk reflex (Bessière et al., 2008).
Usually, simple reflexes like the myotactic reflexes are produced through single synapses occurring between motor neurons and sensory axons. The required circuitry for this reflex is confirmed in the spinal cord. The sensory information generated is then transferred to the nervous system. More complex reflexes usually involve many inter neurons and a number of motor neurons. This, in turn, involves more synapses and neurons thus resulting in a relatively longer delay between stimulus and response. This is often a complex response. An example of this complex reflex is flexion withdrawal reflex whereby noxious stimulation to one leg causes withdrawal of the same and extension of the other leg (Ebner, 2005).
This experiment will help the students learn the time taken between stimulus and responses. The reaction time obtained will be from an individual who has been subjected to a harmless sound and visual stimuli. In addition to these, the effect of prediction and priming will be examined.
Materials and
References: Bessière, P., Laugier, C., & Siegwart, R. (2008). Probabilistic reasoning and decision making in sensory motor systems. Berlin: Springer. Ebner, F. F. (2005). Neural plasticity in adult somatic sensory-motor systems. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis. Llamas, A. (1998). The nervous system. Milwaukee, Wis.: Gareth Stevens Pub.