Objectives

1. measurement of reaction time
2. effect of body part on reaction time
3. effect of distance on reaction time
4. effect of weight on reaction time
5. effect of gender on reaction time

Procedures

1. Position the subject with the elbow at the side of their body, their forearm horizontal and semipronated
2. Hold a ruler even with (long axis up/down) even with the top of the subjects thumb and forefinger
3. Instruct the subject to catch the ruler when you release it
4. Calculate the reaction time from the distance that the ruler drops (t=(2d/g)^0.5)

Reaction Time Caluclator:

distance, time

1. distance between fingers)
2. weight
3. counting down
4. gender
5. age

Questions

1. Compare the reaction times across conditions. Explain the difference between each condition.
2. List the physiolgical events that occur as when subjects try to catch the dropping weight?
3. Can you redesign this task to improve a workers performance?
4. How much time would ou need to reach and grasp a hand hold if you slip?

Reference: Woodworth, George G. Biostatistics: a Bayesian introduction. Vol. 499. Wiley-Interscience, pp. 47-61, 2004.