Hick’s Law

1

Lab 2

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this lab experiment is to examine how movement preparation is in�uenced by the number of response choices.

Reference

Chapter 2

Materials Needed

• Two 30 cm rulers • Individual Data Sheet • Group Data Sheet

Procedure

The objective is to catch the ruler or rulers as quickly as possible once released. Note: In this case we will measure “time” by recording cm, acknowledging that the more quickly a ruler is caught (the lower the time), the less the ruler will drop

(the lower the cm measure).

Condition 1: Simple Reaction Time

Divide into pairs. The experimenter will hold one ruler vertically in the hand of his or her choosing at its highest point so that the 30 cm line is closer to the holding point (see Figure 1). The participant will place the thumb and fore�nger of one hand on either side of the ruler at its bottom (0 cm) without actually touching the ruler. The experimenter, without giving any indication to the participant, will then release the ruler and the participant must catch it as quickly as possible. Record the numerical value of the point of the catch (e.g., 15 cm) on the Individual Data Sheet. Each participant will complete 10 trials, at which point the experimenter and participant will switch roles.

© 2018 Cheryl A. Coker

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Figure 1

Condition 2: Choice Reaction Time

Using both hands, the experimenter will hold two rulers vertically at their highest point so that the 30 cm line is closer to the holding point (see Figure 1). The participant will place one thumb and fore�nger on either side of each ruler at its bottom (0 cm). The experimenter, without giving any indication to the participant, will then release one of the two rulers and the participant must catch it as quickly as possible. Participants should strive to avoid performing the catching movement with both hands. Record the numerical value of the point of each catch on the Individual Data Sheet. Each participant will complete 10 trials, at which point the experimenter and participant will switch roles.

30 cm line

Participant

Experimenter

© 2018 Cheryl A. Coker

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Results

1. Calculate total “time” (in this case represented by cm) by adding up the cm totals for trials 1 through 10. Record the result on the Individual Data Sheet.

2. Calculate the mean “time” for each participant by dividing the total by the number of trials (10).

3. Obtain the mean Simple RT and Choice RT from the other participants. Place each participant’s data into the group data sheet.

4. Calculate the group mean for each task. 5. Create a bar graph at www.onlinecharttool.com/graph?selected_graph=bar

to represent the group means for each task.

Discussion

1. Based on your data, how was movement preparation in uenced by the number of response choices?

2. Does Condition 1 accurately measure reaction time? Explain. 3. Why is it important to not let your partner know when you are going to

drop the ruler? Explain.

© 2018 Cheryl A. Coker

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Name: Date:

Individual Data Sheet

Trial Simple RT Choice RT

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

MEAN

© 2018 Cheryl A. Coker

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Name: Date:

Group Data Sheet

Participant Simple RT Choice RT

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

MEAN

© 2018 Cheryl A. Coker