Guidelines for Measuring Reaction Time

Abstract

Although reaction time is one of the most common measures of neurological function, protocols often do not take into consideration many of the extraneous factors that may invalidate such assessments. This paper discusses several issues related to matters of instrumentation, subject control, design of assessment, and interpretation. Twenty recommendations are provided as a guideline for those who assess reaction time of clients or patients. While these suggestions are not proposed as definitive or complete, the points should serve as a guide to young researchers as well as a checklist for more seasoned experimenters.