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Choice Reaction Time and Learning

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Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning

Synonyms

2-Choice reaction time task; 4-Choice reaction time task; 5-Choice serial reaction time task

Definition

Reaction time. n. The time elapsed between the onset of a stimulus and a response to it… Simple reaction time applies when there is only one possible stimulus requiring only one type of response; choice reaction time (CRT) when there are two or more possible stimuli requiring different responses” (Coleman 2001).

Choice reaction time (CRT) tasks are widely used to explore the physiological and psychological factors underlying “stimulus–response” (S–R) behavior, through the rapid identification and differential responding to multiple stimuli. The dependent variables are the reaction time and accuracy in making a correct choice to different, paired or multiple stimuli, which may be presented in either simultaneous or sequential mode. This contrasts with simple reaction time tasks where a single response is made to a single stimulus, with no decision or choice required of the...

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References

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Correspondence to Rebecca C. Trueman .

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Trueman, R.C., Brooks, S.P., Dunnett, S.B. (2012). Choice Reaction Time and Learning. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_594

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