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Reaction Time Lab |
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This lab is designed to allow students to collect data for
statistical analysis. The data, as gathered in the second part
of this lab,
will be (or should be) a linear regression. The lab requires
minimal set up time and supplies. Students need to work in
groups of 2 or more.
Supplies: Meter sticks Object:
to measure how
long it takes a person to stop a meter stick that starts falling
between the thumb and forefinger.
(The Reaction Time concept was first seen in a
CORD Mathematics and Physical Science activity
and was adapted to become a graphing calculator exercise.) |
Directions:
Students work in groups. One student holds the meter stick vertically at
the 100 cm. end. Another student, whose reaction time is being measured,
rests his/her arm on a desk and places the thumb and forefinger around
the 0 cm. mark but not touching it (approximately 2 cm. away). When the
student holding the top of the meter stick drops the stick, the other
student (looking only at the bottom of the stick) catches the stick as
quickly as possible by pressing the fingers together. Read the millimeter
mark that is just above the thumb. Record this reading. Have each
student record 3 or 4 drops.
Note: If students do not
rest their arms on the desks, they will have a tendency to move
their arms down as the meter sticks drop. |
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Conclusion:
The length of meter
stick from 0 cm. to the “catch” position is proportional to the elapsed
time from the drop to the catch and can be used to measure reaction time.
Lab Worksheet: Once the data
is collected, there are many different possibilities for statistical
analysis. A lab worksheet can be downloaded (.pdf format) below,
which examines means, standard deviations, and possible linear
regressions.
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