Reaction rate is the time required for a response to the information received, that is, the ability to respond to a stimulus. In certain situations, response time can be critical, but in everyday life, a good reaction can increase personal efficiency.
History of the study of reaction rates
The simple reaction time from signal to response was first measured by the German physiologist and physician Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz in 1850. The scientist established a connection between the reaction rate and the strength of the signal, as well as the mental and physical state of the subject.
Typically, the response time to light is 100-200 milliseconds, to sound - 120-150 milliseconds, and to an electrocutaneous stimulus 100-150 milliseconds.
Factors affecting the reaction rate
The ability to respond to incentives depends on many conditions, some of which we can adjust. For example, the likelihood of a quick response increases when the stimulus is clearly identified (start signal at the start, siren sound, etc.). It is also important to understand what is happening well, then the reaction will be timely and adequate. No less important is the developed motor skills, which allow you to quickly respond to the stimulus. Specialists also associate the reaction rate with developed reflexes.
In many situations, it takes a fraction of a second to perceive, process, and respond. However, additional circumstances may affect the response time:
- The amount of information to be processed and the complexity of the stimulus.
- Expectation and knowledge of the stimulus. A person reacts quickly to familiar stimuli and processes new information longer.
- General state. Physical and psychological fatigue, drowsiness, pain, overeating, alcohol intoxication, advanced age and other factors negatively affect the reaction rate.
Interesting facts
- It turns out that the fastest reaction among animals is in mongooses. These small animals hunt poisonous snakes and defeat them thanks to their speed and agility.
- The fastest reactions are in people aged 18 to 40.
- The fastest gunslinger in the world, Jerry Miculek, fires 5 revolver shots in half a second.
- Australian Feliks Zemdegs completes a Rubik's Cube in just 4.221 seconds.
- Bruny Surin is a Canadian runner, champion of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta (USA), known for the record start time in the semi-finals of the 1999 World Championships - 0.101 seconds (if an athlete starts moving before 0.100 seconds after the signal, this is considered false start).
- Nick Kyrgios, Australian tennis player with the fastest reaction time of 0.61 seconds (2014-2016).
There are many examples of how a quick and correct reaction to events saved lives or radically changed the situation. Not everyone and not always can adequately and promptly respond to a stimulus, but the response speed can be increased by regular training.
