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Abstract
A feature common in the literature is that, prior to responding, subjects have been able to preview the parameters of the movement they are required to make. This introduces the possibility of programming the movement before entering the reaction time period. It is argued that this has contributed to confusion in the literature, making it difficult to detect a consistent relationship between reaction time and motor task demands. Two experiments were conducted to clarify the position. Experiment I concealed the movement parameters prior to subjects responding (“no-preview” model), and this was contrasted with a study in the typical “preview” mode (Experiment Il). It was concluded that the no-preview design is more appropriate to detecting changes in reaction time dependent on task parameters, and that the observed effects on reaction time reflect programming difficulty. A third experiment supported this conclusion. Movement velocity was implicated as a factor influencing programming difficulty, low velocity movements appearing to present the greatest problem.