Validating the Accuracy of Reaction Time Assessment on Computer-Based Tablet Devices

Abstract

Computer-based assessment has evolved to tablet-based devices. Despite the availability of tablets and “apps,” there is limited research validating their use. We documented timing delays between stimulus presentation and (simulated) touch response on iOS devices (3rd- and 4th-generation Apple iPads) and Android devices (Kindle Fire, Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy) at response intervals of 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 milliseconds (ms). Results showed significantly greater timing error on Google Nexus and Samsung tablets (81–97 ms), than Kindle Fire and Apple iPads (27–33 ms). Within Apple devices, iOS 7 obtained significantly lower timing error than iOS 6. Simple reaction time (RT) trials (250 ms) on tablet devices represent 12% to 40% error (30–100 ms), depending on the device, which decreases considerably for choice RT trials (3–5% error at 1,000 ms). Results raise implications for using the same device for serial clinical assessment of RT using tablets, as well as the need for calibration of software and hardware.