Visual and Auditory Reaction Time

Students measure and compare their visual and auditory reaction times by catching a falling meter stick, analyzing how quickly they respond to different types of stimuli. The experiment highlights how the nervous system detects, processes, and responds to environmental signals.

Visual Reaction Time

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

Auditory Reaction Time

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

Compare times between visual and auditory reaction time.

Reaction Time Lab + $1 Challenge - Point Source Science:

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

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.)