ABSTRACT
By reaction time is meant the interval that elapses between the receipt of the nerve stimulus and the action that occurs in response. The length of this interval varies widely according to the individual and the circumstances. As a very rough and ready illustration of reaction time measurement, there is the old experiment of getting, say, ten people arranged in a circle, with the right hand of each pressing upon the head of the one in front. At a given moment number one presses upon the head of number two, and as soon as he perceives this stimulus he passes it on to number three, and so on all the way round. If the total time be taken from the first simulus to last reaction and is found to be six seconds, then the average reaction time for each of the ten individuals will be six-tenths of a second.
