A-55 Updated validation of the accuracy of reaction time assessment on computer-based tablet devices

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Computer-based assessment continues to evolve, migrating from paper- to computer- to tablet-based assessment/devices. Despite the increase in tablet ownership and use, there remains limited research validating their timing accuracy. The purpose of this study was to update previous (2015) research documenting timing delays on touchscreen devices. Methods Delays between stimulus presentation and (simulated) touch response were recorded using an custom-made timing device and a Javascript-based timer using an Acer Chromebook (Spin 211; Chrome OS 98.0), an 8th generation Apple iPad(iOS 15.4), a Kindle Fire HD 10 (Fire OS 7.3), and a Samsung Galaxy A7 (Android OS 11.0) at response intervals of 100, 250, 500, 1000 milliseconds (ms). Results The Chrome browser was consistently the fastest browser on the Acer and Samsung devices, and similar to Safari (Apple iPad) and Firefox (Samsung Galaxy). Using the Chrome browser, results showed significantly greater timing error on the Samsung tablet (88-105ms), than Kindle Fire (65-70ms), Apple iPad (49-54s) and Acer Chromebook (36-41ms), across all response intervals. Conclusions Due to inherent timing delays, touchscreen devices are not recommended for collection of simple RT. For choice RT measures on tablet devices, the Safari browser (Apple iOS devices) and Chrome Browser (Chromebooks or Kindle Fire) are recommended. However, use of the Samsung Galaxy tablets (any browser) and Kindle Fire (Silk browser) are not recommended.