Human reaction time: practical
I can predict, plan and carry out an investigation into the effect of a factor on human reaction time, and analyse the data to draw a conclusion.
Human reaction time: practical
I can predict, plan and carry out an investigation into the effect of a factor on human reaction time, and analyse the data to draw a conclusion.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some factors affect human reaction time (e.g. the time taken to catch a ruler after it is dropped).
- Writing a testable prediction or hypothesis about the effect of a factor on human reaction time.
- Identifying independent and dependent variables, range of values to test, and which factors to control and how.
- Safe use of apparatus, and safe and ethical use of human test subjects.
- Interpret data from measurements of human reaction time.
Common misconception
Describing and identifying independent, dependent and control variables and following a method with care and accuracy are skills that take time to build and need frequent revisiting.
The variables in the practical and the method are outlined and discussed. Considerations on the ethicality of the experiment due to human subjects, and the presence of anomalous data, are also covered in detail.
Keywords
Reaction time - The time taken to react to an event.
Ethical - Something that is morally good and does no harm.
Variable - Something that can be changed, measured or controlled in an experiment.
Prediction - A scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome of an experiment.
Equipment
Ruler (30 cm or 1 m)
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Muscles in the eyelid that contract to make us blink.
Nerve cell that transmits impulses from the CNS to the eye.
Structure in CNS, receives nerve impulses from receptors in the eye.