AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Definitions of and the relationship between reaction time, response time,…
Full specification wording
Efficiency of information processing to include:: Definitions of and the relationship between reaction time, response time, movement time.
Reaction time is the interval between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 10 of 30
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Reaction time is the interval between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response. Response time is the total interval from stimulus presentation to the completion of the response, including reaction time plus movement time. Movement time is the interval from the start of the movement to its completion. The relationship is: response time = reaction time + movement time. When a sprinter hears the gun, reaction time is the delay before the first muscle action, movement time is the duration of the sprint, and response time is the total from gun to finish. Efficient information processing can reduce reaction time, whereas movement time is determined by physical and technical factors such as power and biomechanics.
What earns the marks
- Reaction time is the time between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response.
- Movement time is the time from the start of the movement to its completion.
- Response time is the total time from the presentation of the stimulus to the completion of the response.
- Response time is the sum of reaction time and movement time.
- Efficient information processing can reduce reaction time, but movement time is determined by physical and technical factors.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating reaction time and response time as the same.
Put it right: Reaction time ends when the movement begins, while response time ends when the movement is completed.
Confusing movement time with reaction time.
Put it right: Movement time starts after the response has been initiated, not at the stimulus.
Assuming efficient information processing reduces movement time.
Put it right: Cognitive processing affects reaction time, while physical factors dictate movement time.
Exam tips
- In multiple-choice questions, identify the start and end points of the interval described before selecting an answer.
- Use the equation response time = reaction time + movement time to check whether an option is consistent.
- Remember that improving decision-making speeds up reaction time, but improving fitness or technique speeds up movement time.
Try the lesson
The start of the Efficiency of information processing to include:: Definitions of and the relationship between reaction time, response time, movement time. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A goalkeeper's total response time from the ball being struck to making the save is 0.90 s, and his movement time is 0.72 s. Which calculation gives his reaction time?
Listen
Reaction time is the interval between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response. Response time is the total interval from stimulus presentation to the completion of the response, including reaction time plus movement time. Movement time is the interval from the start of the movement to its completion. The relationship is: response time = reaction time + movement time. When a sprinter hears the gun, reaction time is the delay before the first muscle action, movement time is the duration of the sprint, and response time is the total from gun to finish. Efficient information processing can reduce reaction time, whereas movement time is determined by physical and technical factors such as power and biomechanics. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Reaction time is the time between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response. Movement time is the time from the start of the movement to its completion. Response time is the total time from the presentation of the stimulus to the completion of the response. Response time is the sum of reaction time and movement time. Exam tip: In multiple-choice questions, identify the start and end points of the interval described before selecting an answer.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Reaction time
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Movement time
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Response time
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See every definition
- Reaction time
- The interval between the presentation of a stimulus and the initiation of a response.
- Movement time
- The interval from the start of the movement to its completion.
- Response time
- The total interval from stimulus presentation to the completion of the response, including reaction time plus movement time.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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