Demonstrate:

1. Measurement of reaction time
2. Effect of body part on reaction time
3. Effect of distance on reaction time
4. Effect of weight on reaction time
5. Effect of gender on reaction time

Procedures

1. Position the subject with the elbow at the side of their body, their forearm horizontal and semipronated
2. Hold a ruler even with (long axis up/down) even with the top of the subjects thumb and forefinger
3. Instruct the subject to catch the ruler when you release it
4. Calculate the reaction time, t s, from the distance the ruler drops, d mm: t=((2×d)/9,800 mm/s²)^0.5

Questions

1. How much variability do you observe within and between subjects?
2. List the physiolgical events that occur as when subjects catch the ruler?
3. List and describe human and task factors that affect the performance of this task, e.g.:
1. Distance between fingers
2. Warnings
3. Gender
4. Age
5. Fatigue
4. How might you reduce the time to perform this task?
5. list and describe some practical applications of your data.