Efficiency of information processing to include:: Hick’s law.

The idea

Hick's law describes how choice reaction time increases as the number of stimulus-response alternatives increases. The relationship is logarithmic, so each doubling of equally likely choices adds a roughly constant amount to reaction time. For example, a tennis player returning a serve must choose among a forehand drive, backhand drive, forehand lob or backhand lob, so reaction time is longer than for a swimmer reacting to a single signal. The law assumes alternatives are equally likely and the performer cannot anticipate. Skilled performers reduce the effect through anticipation and cue detection, effectively cutting the number of genuine choices. Hick's law explains why simple tasks produce faster responses than complex ones.

What earns the marks

• Hick's law states that choice reaction time increases as the number of stimulus-response alternatives increases.
• The increase is logarithmic, so reaction time rises by a roughly constant amount each time the number of equally likely choices doubles.
• The law applies to choice reaction time, where the performer must select among several possible responses, not to simple reaction time.
• Skilled performers can reduce the number of effective choices through anticipation and by detecting early cues, which shortens reaction time.
• A sporting example is a tennis return, where reading serve placement creates several response options (e.g., forehand or backhand drive) and lengthens reaction time compared with a single-signal start.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking reaction time doubles when the number of choices doubles.

  Put it right: The relationship is logarithmic, so the increase is smaller and roughly constant per doubling.

• Applying Hick's law to simple reaction time.

  Put it right: It concerns choice reaction time, where several stimulus-response alternatives exist.

• Using an invalid sporting example, such as volleying a tennis serve, which is against the rules and therefore not a valid choice.

Exam tips

• State the direction of the relationship first, then add that it is logarithmic, to show precise understanding.
• Use a concrete, rule-compliant example with a clear number of alternatives, such as a goalkeeper facing a penalty, to contrast choice and simple reaction time.
• Explain how anticipation or cue detection reduces the effective number of choices, linking Hick's law to skilled performance.