The Simplest Chronoscope IV: Lateral Differences in Choice Reaction Time Responses Obtained by Meterstick versus Machine

Abstract

This study compared right-hand and left-hand two-choice CRT responses of college students to both the simplest chronoscope (a falling meterstick) and to a digital-readout multi-choice reaction timer (machine). Tests of ipsilateral differences showed significant differences in CRT between the meterstick and the machine methods for both right and left hands. There were no significant contralateral differences in CRT with either the meterstick or machine methods. Combined total scores showed that there were significant differences in CRT responses obtained by meterstick versus machine, whereas there were no differences in CRT responses for all right-hand responses versus all left-hand responses. Results suggest that perhaps the workings of two different reaction time systems may account for the robustness of differences between CRT's obtained by meterstick versus machine.