How fast your brain reacts to a stimuli.

For this project I decided to conduct the experiment on reaction with a volunteer. For this test, I used a standard 12 inch ruler, a table, and a friend as my volunteer, Jared A. The results from this test were very fascinating.

The test went as followed:

1) I had Jared sit close to a table so that his hand would be hanging over on the edge.

2) I held the bottom of the ruler at the top of his hand and told him that as soon as he saw the ruler drop, to try and catch it.

3) If Jared was unable to catch the ruler, I marked the distance total as 80, to represent where it would have hit the floor.

3) This process was repeated 3 more times so that their would be 4 results total.

4) To vary the tests, the next 4 drops consisted of having Jared close his eyes, and listen for when I said go to try and catch the ruler. This test was again tested 4 times.

5) Another variable was tested. Jared again closed his eyes, but the signal for when I was dropping the ruler would be a tactile touch to signal him to try and catch the ruler. Again this test was tested 4 different times.

Here were my results:

Nerve conduction speed test

Visual Test

Trial Number	CM Distance
1	80 cm
2	18 cm
3	19 cm
4	15 cm

Auditory Test

Trial Number	CM Distance
1	80 cm
2	80 cm
3	19 cm
4	22 cm

Tactile Test

Trial Number	CM Distance
1	80 cm
2	17 cm
3	23 cm
4	80 cm

Averages

Test	Reaction (seconds)
Visual	.25
Auditory	.30
Tactile	.30

Conclusion:

After concluding the test, the results were as I had imagined, but not near as drastic. As you can see the visual test had the fastest reaction time, and that was to be expected. The test subject was able to react under his own brain power and not rely on anything else. The auditory and tactile test were slower, but the small difference in the average reaction time was not as drastic as I would have thought. The fact that the test subject had to rely on my ques, would make it seem that the reaction time would be much slower than when he could react on his own. However the results stayed consistent when Jared had to rely on my que. 

From witnessing this test, I am continually amazed on how great our brain is. Even to react quick enough to catch the ruler without being told when it was dropped, but to be able to catch it while relying on someone else, makes the task even more impressive.