The influence of the intensity of the stimulus on the length of the reaction time (summary)
The influence of the intensity of the stimulus on the length of the reaction time
Cattell, J. M. (1948). The influence of the intensity of the stimulus on the length of the reaction time, 1885. In W. Dennis (Ed), Readings in the history of psychology. (pp. 323–325). East Norwalk, CT, US: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
After the work of Wundt, Exner, and others, Cattell and Berger were carrying out further experiments to determine the relationship between intensity of a stimulus and reaction time in the Psychological Laboratory at the University of Leipzig. These experiments focused on electric shocks and light, and their effects on simple reaction time and reaction time complicated by other cerebral operations. "Reaction time" refers to the time between the presentation of a stimulus and the beginning of a muscular contraction.
Cattell and Berger experimented on themselves with eight different light intensities. In a second study, they investigated four different intensities of electric shocks on reaction time. Both studies concluded that as stimulus intensity increases, reaction time decreases.
In a third study, the researchers began to wonder whether the colour of the light made a difference. They found, however, that reaction time and light colour were not correlated. They did, however, find that when it was necessary to distinguish the colour of the light before reacting, reaction time increased. It was found, therefore, that the time it takes to perceive a colour becomes shorter as the light intensity increases, but the time it took to perceive a colour was not a function of the intensity of the stimulus.
Access:
Public
Join WorldSupporter!
Join with a free account for more service, or become a member for full access to exclusives and extra support of WorldSupporter >>
This content is used in:
Psychology: History and Application
- Darwin's "Natural Science of Babies" (summary)
- A Biological Sketch of an Infant (summary)
- Eugenics: Its Definition, Scope, and Aims (summary)
- Biographical Origins of Francis Galton's Psychology (summary)
- Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression: Returning to Contextual Roots (summary)
- Science, serotonin, and sadness: the biology of antidepressants (summary)
- Feeling connected again (summary)
- Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression (summary)
- Motivational Interviewing and Self-Determination Theory (summary)
- Self-determination theory and work motivation (summary)
- Twelve tips to stimulate intrinsic motivation in students (summary)
- The influence of the intensity of the stimulus on the length of the reaction time (summary)
- The calibration of minds and machines in late nineteenth-century psychology (summary)
- Clinical Psychology (summary)
- Lightner Witmer: Little-known founder of clinical psychology (summary)
- Alfred Binet – A truly applied psychologist (summary)
- Efficiency of women workers (summary)
- Natural suggestibility in children (summary)
- Lillian M. Gilbreth's contributions to the development of management thought (summary)
- Exploring the Mechanisms of Self-Control Improvement (summary)
- A Social Cognitive View of Self-Regulated Learning About Health (summary)
- Implementation Intentions (summary)
- Self-Regulation Failure: Procrastination (summary)
- Acceptance-Based Therapy and Procrastination (summary)
- A review of the causes and consequences of optimism (summary)
- Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration (summary)
- Find, Remind, and Bind: The Functions of Gratitude in Everyday Relationships (summary)
- Summary of the Promise of Sustainable Happiness
Going abroad?
Study with summaries
Contributions: posts
Help other WorldSupporters with additions, improvements and tips
Spotlight: topics
This content is also used in .....
Psychology: History and Application
Bundle of summaries of articles on the history and application of psychology.
Originally written by Rachel Wong.
- Lees verder over Psychology: History and Application
- 1259 keer gelezen
Check how to use summaries on WorldSupporter.org
Submenu: Summaries & Activities
Follow the author: Vintage Supporter
Work for WorldSupporter
JoHo can really use your help! Check out the various student jobs here that match your studies, improve your competencies, strengthen your CV and contribute to a more tolerant world
Statistics
Add new contribution