Results The results will be presented as �me from A to B. This gives a direct value of the speed of reac�on. Be aware of the range of the �me scale used, as it is normal to express reac�on �mes as tenths or hundredths of a second.
Ques�ons 1.
How does your reac�on �me compare to the values printed in textbooks or on the web?
2.
Collect the averages for the rest of the group or class. Calculate the average for the class. How many people fall below the average? Is there a difference between genders? Calculate the average for female, and average for male responders.
3.
Find out about stopping distances from a textbook. Knowing your reac�on �mes, how far will you travel before stopping using the stopping values in the Highway Code at 30 mph, 40 mph and 50 mph?
4.
The test using taped instruc�ons simulate a phone call when driving. How did this test affect the reac�on �me and ul�mately the stopping distance?
5.
If you have access to a scien�fic calculator and have sufficient data, you can do a sta�s�cal test called standard devia�on. If you calculate the s.d. this will allow you to compare data from other reac�on �me experiments with more certainty.
Iden�fying errors Make a list of the possible sources of error in this experiment and then a�empt to quan�fy the errors in terms of how much they have affected the results. Discuss the errors iden�fied with others to see if they are realis�c or come from preconceived ideas about reac�on �mes. Notes on Standard Response: The gap between two neurons (the synapse) has physical proper�es that introduce a �me delay (latency) of approx. 10 ms per synapse. The neuron can carry the message at a maximum speed of 30 metres per second. Taking both these factors into considera�on, it would be unlikely to see a reac�on �me of below 0.02 seconds.
Data Harvest Smart wireless ac�vi�es
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