OK we (philosopher, physicist and psychologist) are up here on the third
floor wasting time by following the results from the international track and
field event that is going on in Spain. As we looked at the times for the
results of the men's 400 meter (a new world record) we started looking at
the column that displays what we think is time to start - reaction time from
the sound of the start pistol to "leaving" the starting block. Those times
range from .133 to .284 seconds for the first five finishers. We checked a
second event and found the fastest starting time to be .111 seconds. We also
know that this measure must be used to indicate false starts. The questions:
Do any of you know what the empirical limit for this reaction time is? Do
you know what standard is used for a false start in events like this one? Do
you know if that time is based on empirical work or theoretical
considerations?
Other than satisfying out curiosity, the answer to these questions could
offer a good example for use in S&P, Physiological or Introductory.
My colleagues and I offer our thanks in advance.
Dennis
Dennis M. Goff
Dept. of Psychology
Randolph-Macon Woman's College
Lynchburg, VA 24503
