Learner resource 3 - Measuring reaction times
The aim of this investigation is to see if reaction times are affected by age.
To measure reaction times, you will use the following website:
http://www.humanbenchmark.com/tests/reactiontime
You need to ask 10 individuals to complete the test for you. As a class, the aim is to test individuals
with as big an age range as possible. Ask you parents, grandparents, neighbours if possible to
complete the short test. You can use a laptop, PC, tablet or smart phone to carry out the test.
1.
What is the independent variable?
2.
What is the dependent variable?
3.
How many times will you ask the individual to complete the test to obtain a mean?
4.
Let each participant have a trial run at the test before you start to collect data. Why?
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5.
Can you control variables that may have an effect on your results? List the variables and
describe the control measures you will take.
Record your results in a table:Age of participant (y)
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Mean reaction time (ms)
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6.
Produce a scatter diagram to show the results of the whole class.
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7.
Do the results show a correlation between age and reaction times? Describe any correlation
you can identify.
8.
What conclusions can you draw from your results?
9.
Suggest improvements to your method that would increase the validity of the investigation.
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