======Visual and Auditory Reaction Time======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** 
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
Visual Reaction Time  
  - Pair up with a partner, one as test giver and the other as test taker.  
  - The test taker kneels with hands 5 cm apart, palms facing each other.  
  - The test giver holds the meter stick vertically, 1 cm mark pointing down, just above the test taker’s hands.  
  - Without warning, the test giver releases the stick.  
  - The test taker claps their hands to catch the stick as quickly as possible.  
  - Record the cm mark where the stick was caught.  
  - Repeat three times and calculate the average.  
  - Switch roles and repeat.  

Auditory Reaction Time  
  - Repeat the same procedure, but the test taker keeps eyes closed or is blindfolded.  
  - The test giver releases the stick while giving an auditory signal (such as “now”).  
  - Record the cm mark where the stick was caught.  
  - Repeat three times and calculate the average.  
  - Switch roles and repeat.

Compare times between visual and auditory reaction time.



====Links==== 
Reaction Time Lab + $1 Challenge - Point Source Science: 
{{youtube>7PXxHsI29cQ?}}\\


📄 Reaction Time - Heatland: [[https://www.heartland.edu/documents/clc/curriculum/comet/team/MED-Reaction-Time.pdf]]\\

====Variations====
  * Compare results between age groups, genders, or dominant hands.  
  * Test reaction time under distractions such as background noise.  
  * Design a custom reaction test (e.g., flashing light or unexpected sound).



====Safety Precautions====
  * Handle the meter stick carefully to avoid poking or hitting.  
  * If using a blindfold, ensure the test taker is seated or kneeling to prevent falling.  
  * Ensure adequate space around participants to avoid accidental injury.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Is auditory reaction time faster or slower than visual reaction time? (Auditory is often slightly faster.)  
  * What factors might affect reaction time, such as age, fatigue, or distractions?  
  * How might reaction time be important in space missions or everyday activities?  
  * Why is it important to repeat trials and calculate averages? (To reduce random error and increase reliability.)