In an experiment to measure reaction time, subjects must push either a blue button in response to a green light or a green button in response to a blue light. Discuss five factors that could influence their reaction time

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER:
Intensity of the stimulus affects reaction time. More intense stimuli produce shorter reaction times than do weaker stimuli. If the blue or green light is bright, reaction time will be shorter than if the light is very dim.
Complexity of the decision affects reaction time. The larger the number of possible reactions that might be carried out in response to a stimulus, the longer the reaction time. Since there is only one possible response to the stimulus, the reaction time will be relatively short.
Stimulus-response compatibility affects reaction time. Pushing a blue button in response to a blue light and a green button in response to a green light would be a more compatible arrangement and would reduce reaction time.
Expectancy affects reaction time. Reaction time should be relatively short because subjects expect the light to appear and are ready for the stimulus presentation.
There is a speed-accuracy tradeoff in any reaction-time task. Trying for 100 percent accurate responses leads to slower reaction times. Trying to react too quickly will reduce accuracy.