Measuring individual corrective reaction time using the intermittent illumination model

Abstract

The corrective reaction time (t_cr) is an essential motor property when modelling hand control movements. Many studies designed experiments to estimate t_cr, but reported only group means with inconsistent definitions. This study proposes an alternative methodology using Drury's (1994) intermittent illumination model. A total of 24 participants performed circular tracking movements under five levels of visual information delay using a modified monitor in a darkened room. Measured movement speeds and the manipulated delays were used with the model to estimate t_cr of individuals and test effects of gender and path width. The results showed excellent model fits and demonstrated individual differences of t_cr, which was 273 ms on average and ranged from 87 to 441 ms. The wide range of t_cr values was due to significant effects of gender and path width. Male participants required shorter t_cr compared to female participants, especially for narrow path widths.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: This study reports the corrective reaction time (t_cr) of individuals using a novel methodology. The estimated t_cr ranged from 87 to 441 ms, helping model hand control movements, such as aiming and tracking. The methodology can be continuously applied to study t_cr under conditions with various performers and movements.

Keywords::

• corrective reaction time
• visual processing time
• hand control movement
• intermittent correction servo
• ballistic movement

Acknowledgements

We would also like to acknowledge the previous work by J.-F. Lin, C. G. Drury, C.-M. Chou, Y.-D. Lin and Y.-Q. Lin, which was presented in the 14th International Conference on Human–Computer Interaction and was a preliminary study of this research.

Notes

^1. When the participants were familiar with the intermittent illumination, they performed tracking with a constant movement speed even in the dark periods; whereas, when they could not use the visual information optimally, they stopped tracking and waited for the next illumination period. Both model fits of Drury's law (Figure 3) and the intermittent illumination model (Figure 4) can be used to determine if the participants have become familiar with visual information.

Additional information

Funding

The research and paper submission for this study were granted by Taiwan National Science Council (NSC 98-2218-E-155-011 and NSC 102-2221-E-155-049).