Abstract
In this paper, we describe an apparatus for measuring reaction times and movement times involved in reaching for real objects. Subjects view an object through a liquid crystal window, which serves as a shutter that can be made clear or opaque quickly (10 msec from opaque to clear, 30 msec from clear to opaque). The subject’s hand rests on a microswitch-equipped home key, and the object sits on a force-sensitive platform so that initiation of reach and time of contact with the object can be marked accurately. The apparatus interfaces with an IBM PC/AT through a digital I/O parallel port, so that reaction times and movement times are recorded automatically.
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Construction of this apparatus was supported by Air Force Office of Scientific Research Contract 87-0230, to R. L. Klatzky and J. Pellegrino. The US Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for governmental purposes, notwithstanding any copyright notation hereon. Copies of our software may also be obtained by request; please provide an electronic mail address if possible.
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Fikes, T.G., Klatzky, R.L., Pellegrino, J. et al. Tachistoscopic exposure of real objects for measurement of reaction time and movement time. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 22, 290–296 (1990). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209818
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209818