Response production factors and reaction time

Abstract

The relationship between reaction time and the force production characteristics of discrete responses was examined. Subjects produced isometric responses that varied with respect to peak force and time to peak force. Peak force varied from 5% to 90% of the subject’s maximum force capabilities at three different time to peak force values (100, 200, and 400 msec). The findings suggest that reaction time is independent of response duration and decreases at a negatively accelerating rate with increments of rate of force production. © 1987, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.