Name __________________________

Period ________

Date_________________

Explore - How Fast Does Your Brain React to Stimulus Lab

In todays lesson, you were introduced to reflexes and reactions times. This lab will be
broken up into two experiments. In experiment one, we will explore the concept of
reaction times together. In experiment two, you will be given an opportunity to
elaborate on the topic by designing an experiment of your choice, where you will be
able to test different variables that could affect an individual's reaction time.

Experiment One: Visual vs. Auditory Stimulus:

Research Question

How will telling a student when you are

releasing the ruler (auditory stimulus)
affect reaction time versus not telling the
student (visual stimulus) when the ruler is
being released ?

Hypothesis

If a student is told the ruler is being

released, then the student will have a
___________________ (slower/faster)
reaction time.

Procedure:
Visual Stimulus
1. Subject one dangles dominant hand off the edge of a table.

2. Subject two holds a 30 centimeter (12-inch) ruler between two fingers at the 30
cm mark, having the 0 mark level with subject ones index finger.
3. Subject two tells subject one to grab the ruler as fast as possible, when they
SEE it being released.
4. Record the centimeter measurement on chart.
5. Repeat this trial three times, then switch roles.

Auditory Stimulus
1. Subject one dangles dominant hand off the edge of a table.

2. Subject two holds a 30 centimeter (12-inch) ruler between two fingers at the 30
cm mark, having the 0 mark level with subject ones index finger.
3. Subject two tells subject one to grab the ruler as fast as possible, when they
HEAR the word release being said.
4. Subject two simultaneously says release and lets go of the ruler.
5. When student one grabs the ruler, record the centimeter measurement in chart.
6. Repeat this three times. Then switch roles.
7. Use conversion chart to find reaction time in seconds for auditory and visual
stimulus
Data:
Subject One

Auditory Stimulus

Visual Stimulus

Trial 1

(cm)

(cm)

Trial 2

(cm)

(cm)

Trial 3

(cm)

(cm)

Average:

(cm)

(cm)

Reaction Time in Seconds:

(sec)

(sec)

Subject Two

Auditory Stimulus

Visual Stimulus

Trial 1

(cm)

(cm)

Trial 2

(cm)

(cm)

Trial 3

(cm)

(cm)

Average:

(cm)

(cm)

Reaction Time in Seconds:

(sec)

(sec)

Results:

Conclusion: (Was your Hypothesis supported?)