# Mental Turbocharge: Unlocking the Lightning-Fast Messaging of Your Brain and Body

A [reaction time test](https://www.blindnesstest.com/reaction-time-test/) is a method used to measure the time it takes for an individual to respond to a specific stimulus. It assesses the speed at which a person can react to a given cue or signal, typically measured in milliseconds (ms).

During a reaction time test, participants are presented with a stimulus, which can be visual, auditory, or a combination of both.

The stimulus can be as simple as a visual cue appearing on a screen, a sound, or a combination of the two. The participant's task is to react as quickly as possible by performing a specific action, such as pressing a button, raising their hand, or giving a verbal response.

The time it takes for the participant to initiate the action after the stimulus is presented is recorded as their reaction time.

Reaction time tests are often repeated several times to obtain an average and reliable measurement.

Reaction time tests are widely used in various fields, including sports, psychology, [neuroscience](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroscience), and [human performance assessment](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_performance_technology).

They provide valuable insights into an individual's ability to process and respond to stimuli quickly, which can be useful in assessing cognitive functioning, motor skills, and overall reaction speed.


## Are You Ready to Blitz the Speed Challenge?

How fast does the eye send messages to the brain and the brain send messages to your hand muscles to react in time to catch a falling object? Find out using the ruler test!

You will need:

❏ A ruler
❏ At least one friend or family member to be the test subject
❏ Reaction time chart
❏ Reaction time graph
❏ Pen or pencil

### Directions

1. Ask student to create a testable question (a hypothesis).
Example: Do people of different ages have different reaction times?
2. Stand over the test subject with your arm stretched out, holding the ruler with your thumb and forefinger. Put the beginning (end that starts with zero) of the ruler right between the test subject’s open fingers.
3. Without telling the test subject that you’re going to do it, drop the ruler and the test subject catches it as quickly as they can between their fingers.
4. Measure the distance on the ruler by recording where the test subject grabbed it.
5. Using the reaction time chart, convert the distance to reaction time.
6. Use the Reaction time graph to graph your data to measure trends.
7. Change different variables to see what might cause reaction time to be faster or slower

### Reaction Time

Using the reaction time chart, convert the distance to reaction time.

| Distance on Ruler | Reaction Time |
| ----------------- | ------------- |
| 5 centimeters | .10 seconds |
| 10 centimeters | .14 seconds |
| 15 centimeters | .18 seconds |
| 20 centimeters | .20 seconds |
| 25 centimeters | .23 seconds |
| 30 centimeters | .25 seconds |


## The Secrets of Reaction Time through Discovery Questions

***Would having a warning about the when the ruler will drop change how quickly the catcher responds?***

Yes! Our brains will be able to anticipate when the ruler will drop and can start sending the signal to the hand to catch it before the eye sees the ruler fall.

***Is reaction time impacted by the environment? (Outside vs. inside, etc.)***

Yes, reaction time can be impacted by the environment in which the test or task is performed. Several environmental factors can influence reaction time:

* **Distractions:** A noisy or visually cluttered environment can increase reaction time as it can divert attention and hinder the ability to focus on the stimulus. A calm and quiet environment may promote faster reaction times.
* **Lighting Conditions:** Bright or dim lighting conditions can affect reaction time. Adequate lighting is crucial for perceiving the stimulus accurately and responding swiftly. Poor lighting may lead to slower reaction times.
* **Temperature and Comfort:** Extreme temperatures or discomfort can impact cognitive processing and motor functions, potentially slowing down reaction time. A comfortable and moderate temperature environment is generally ideal for optimal performance.
* **Familiarity and Adaptation:** Familiarity with the environment can contribute to faster reaction times as individuals may feel more at ease and be better able to anticipate stimuli. On the other hand, unfamiliar or novel environments may initially slow down reaction time until adaptation occurs.
* **Visual Obstructions:** Objects or obstacles that block or obscure the stimulus can impede reaction time by delaying its detection or recognition. A clear and unobstructed view of the stimulus promotes faster reactions.
* **Practice and Conditioning:** Reaction time can improve with practice and conditioning specific to the environment where the task is performed. Regularly training in the same environment may enhance familiarity and lead to faster reaction times.

While these environmental factors can influence reaction time, it's important to note that individuals may differ in their sensitivity to these conditions. Optimal reaction time performance may vary depending on personal preferences and individual adaptability.

***Are you able to improve your reaction time?***

Practicing a skill over and over again will generally make us more efficient at performing that skill. Test it out with your experiment and see if people get faster over time.

***If the ruler falls farther, does that mean the catcher has slower or faster reaction time?***

Usually slower, but might depend on other factors.

***Does reaction time change depending on time of day? (i.e. as soon as you get up in the morning, right after lunch, right before bed.)***

Yes, reaction time can be influenced by the time of day. Our body's natural circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle, can impact our cognitive functioning and alertness throughout the day. As a result, reaction time may vary depending on the time of day:

* **Morning:** After a night of restful sleep, reaction time tends to be slower upon waking up. This is commonly referred to as "morning grogginess" or sleep inertia. It may take some time for the body and brain to fully wake up, leading to slightly slower reaction times in the early morning.
* **Midday:** Reaction time generally improves as the day progresses and we become more awake and alert. Around midday, when we are most awake and in sync with our circadian rhythm, reaction time tends to be quicker and more consistent.
* **Afternoon:** In the late afternoon, there can be a natural dip in alertness and a temporary decrease in reaction time. This period, often referred to as the "post-lunch slump," is commonly associated with feelings of drowsiness or decreased focus, which can impact reaction time.
* **Evening/Night:** As the day progresses into the evening and night, reaction time may slow down again. Fatigue and the body's natural inclination to wind down in preparation for sleep can contribute to slightly slower reaction times during these hours.

It's important to note that individual differences and lifestyle factors can also influence how time of day affects reaction time. Factors such as sleep quality, regular sleep patterns, and personal preferences for being a "morning person" or a "night owl" can further shape individual reaction time variations throughout the day.