Reaction time, performance and level of physiological arousal
Master Thesis
1973
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University of Cape Town
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30 Male Students were used as subjects in a study to assess the effects of physiological arousal, induced by means of a placebo injection, upon visual reaction· time. Two levels of task difficulty were employed: a two-choice test requiring manual responses and a four-choice test, in which the additional two peripheral stimuli were responded to by foot pedals. Manifest Anxiety scores were used as a means to categorize subjects and allow for individual differences. EEG was monitered as a controlling measure for each subject. Pulse rates, palmar sweat index and blood pressures were used as measures of physiological arousal. Results were interpreted in terms of the YerkesDodson principle.
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Ellis-Smith, M. 1973. Reaction time, performance and level of physiological arousal. University of Cape Town.