Year 11 Physical Education
AOS 1
Gisborne Secondary College
RULER DROP
REACTION TIME
LABORATORY REPORT
Aim: To investigate reaction time and the impact warning signals and
modifying the senses has on the results
Equipment: Ruler, pencil, recording table
Method:
1. Work with a partner. The tester holds the ruler at the top while the
subject gets ready to catch the ruler by placing his or her open thumb
and forefinger just below the ruler.
2. On the count of 3 the tester drops the ruler and the subject tries to
catch it as quickly as possible.
3. Make 3 attempts and mark them on the ruler
4. Make 3 more attempts, this time without the count of 3
5. Make 3 more attempts, without the count of 3 and this time using the
opposite hand
6. Make 3 more attempts with eyes closed and the tester saying ‘go’
when dropping the ruler
**Swap over with your partner
Results:
1. Record your results for each of the 4 tests in a table
2. Draw a line graph of your results to show the results
Discussion:
1. Discuss the different reaction times you and your partner recorded for
the 4 different tests
2. In test 1, did anticipation affect the results
3. Which test had the fastest reaction time? Provide reasons for this result
4. What impact did having your eyes closed have on the results? Discuss
5. What impact did using your opposite hand have on the results?
Discuss
6. What are some sports/activities that require fast reaction times?