Abstract
Simple reaction time (SRT) is the minimum time required to respond to a stimulus; it is a measure of processing speed. Our study aimed to determine the variation in visual SRT with time among individuals of the same gender and between genders. We carried out a prospective, parallel group, pilot study involving ten male and ten female medical students aged 18–25 years. After obtaining written informed consent, the participants were familiarized with the procedures, and each completed a single practice session of a computerized visual SRT which was administered using Psychology Experiment Building Language Version 2.0 software. On a predetermined day, the participants completed the exercise at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. The results showed no statistically significant difference in SRT based on time of day between genders (χ2(2) = 4.300, p=0.116) as well as within gender (males (χ2(2) = 0.600, p=0.741); females (χ2(2) = 5.000, p=0.082). Our study showed that visual SRT does not change significantly at different times of the day and within and between genders. Intraindividual variations in visual SRT can mask the presence of a small but significant difference; hence, further studies are warranted.
Highlights
Simple reaction time (SRT) is the minimum time required to respond to a stimulus; it is a measure of processing speed [1]
Intraindividual variation in SRT has been reported across the lifespan [9]. ere are no adequate reports regarding the circadian variation in SRT and whether this is different based on gender
Our study showed an absence of gender difference in the visual SRT. is is in agreement with the findings of Woods et al [1], who used a simple visual search task in 1469 participants similar to that used in our study, Kandil et al [11], and the observations of Silverman [18]
Summary
Simple reaction time (SRT) is the minimum time required to respond to a stimulus; it is a measure of processing speed [1]. Earlier studies have reported visual SRTs ranging from 231 ms to 397 ms [1, 2]. SRT depends on perception (hearing, seeing, and feeling of a stimulus), processing (focus and understanding the information), and response (motor agility) [3]. It depends on the type and complexity of the stimulus, the stimulated sensory modality, familiarity, preparation, expectations, and state of the individual [3,4,5]. Ere are no adequate reports regarding the circadian variation in SRT and whether this is different based on gender Intraindividual variation in SRT has been reported across the lifespan [9]. ere are no adequate reports regarding the circadian variation in SRT and whether this is different based on gender
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