Suitability of the IBM XT, AT, and PS/2 keyboard, mouse, and game port as response devices in reaction time paradigms (original) (raw)
Abstract
The IBM PC keyboard is a convenient response panel for subjects in a reaction time task when the stimuli are presented on the same machine. However, there is a mean delay of about 10 msec and a random error of ±7.5 msec (±5 msec on the AT or PS/2). Our analyses show that for typical single response experimental situations, this added variance is acceptable. With mouse buttons, timing resulted in a delay of 31 ±2 msec if the mouse ball was steady but 45 ±15 msec if it was moving, and a 25-msec refractory period before a second response could be detected. With keys connected to the game port, timing was accurate to 1 msec. For timing the interval between two nearly simultaneous responses, only the game port method is recommended. Any research application should provide an external check on reaction timing accuracy and should correct any mean error.
Access this article
Subscribe and save
- Starting from 10 chapters or articles per month
- Access and download chapters and articles from more than 300k books and 2,500 journals
- Cancel anytime View plans
Buy Now
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.
Instant access to the full article PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
- Graves, R., &Bradley, R. (1987). Millisecond interval timer and auditory reaction time programs for the IBM PC.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,19, 30–35.
Article Google Scholar - Graves, R., &Bradley, R. (1988). More on millisecond timing and tachistoscope applications for the IBM PC.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 408–412.
Article Google Scholar - Segalowitz, S. J. (1987). IBM PC Tachistoscope: Text stimuli.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,19, 383–388.
Article Google Scholar
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, L2S 3A1, St. Catherines, ON, Canada
Sidney J. Segalowitz - University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Roger E. Graves
Authors
- Sidney J. Segalowitz
- Roger E. Graves
Additional information
Preparation of this article was supported in part by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to S. J. Segalowitz and to R. E. Graves.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Segalowitz, S.J., Graves, R.E. Suitability of the IBM XT, AT, and PS/2 keyboard, mouse, and game port as response devices in reaction time paradigms.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 22, 283–289 (1990). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209817
- Received: 14 November 1989
- Accepted: 20 February 1990
- Published: 01 May 1990
- Issue date: May 1990
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209817