1. The Effect of Age on Reaction Time
Rose Seabrook

2. Problem: How does the age of a person affect their reaction time?
Hypothesis: If a person is in the age range years old, then they will have the fastest reaction time.

3. Basic Concepts Reaction Time Visual Cortex Motor Cortex
Interval of time between application of a stimulus and detection of response
Visual Cortex
Visually processes information and patterns
Motor Cortex
Plans, controls, executes voluntary functions
Reticular Formation
Filters incoming stimuli
Governs the functions of major organisms

4. Purpose of Experiment
To discover why people in the age group are better in sports, but, are more likely to get into car accidents.

5. Design Diagram Level 10-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-70 Trials 20
Title: The effect of the age of a person on their reaction time
Hypothesis: If a person is in the range years old then, they will have the fastest reaction time.
IV: age
Level
10-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-70
Trials 20

6. Design Diagram Cont. DV: Distance Ruler Falls (cm)
Constants: height ruler is dropped from, height at which the person catches the ruler, and the weight of the ruler.

7. Results 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
10-25 22 23
26-35 27
36-45 21 26
46-55 25 28 24 30
56-70 29

8. Results Cont. Averages 10-25: 14.9 26-35: 16.6 36-45: 17.3 46-55: 19.3
26-35:
36-45:
46-55:
56-70:

9. Statistical Analysis
ANOVA
Sum of Square Difference
Degrees of Freedom
Mean Squared
Fisher F- Value
Significance
(p)=.05
Between Groups 1, 4
8.292
<0.001
Within Groups 2, 95
N/a
Total 3, 99
data is of significance because the p value is <.05
1/1000 chance that data occurred by chance

10. Graphed Data

11. Conclusions Hypothesis Supported Reticular Formation
10-25 have a faster reaction time
Reticular Formation
Tasks become routine, brain receives less stimulation, lower levels of activity
Slows down memory and reaction time as you age
Visual and Motor Cortex
Slow down with age

12. Sources of Error Area Watched Attention Span Human Error
Ruler or hand
Attention Span
Readiness
Human Error
Measurement
Alcohol Influence
Inhibits reaction time

13. Improvements Designate an area to watch
Warn subject when ruler will be dropped
No alcohol in subjects system

14. Extensions and Applications
Alcohol content on reaction time
Gender on reaction time
Driving
Sports

15. THE END