Sensory and the Nervous System Biological Sciences Lab Report
In this experiment, you test the reaction time of yourself and a willing participant, and relate reaction time to the nervous and sensory systems. Remember that your sensory cells signal neurons, which transmit information to the brain via motor neurons. The brain processes the signal and directs the effectors, such as muscles and glands. Some of these responses are voluntary, while others, such as reflexes, are involuntary. This is what the experiment emphasizes. I hope you understand the significance of the experiment because a lot of everyday activities may require your immediate reaction such as driving in unsafe conditions or an unsafe driver!
Here is a brief tutorial that I would like to share with our class:
Use the equation in the answer sheet to calculate your reaction time and the participant’s reaction time. Show your work.
Note: The equation for reaction time is derived from a kinematic equation where y equals the average distance the ruler fell and g is the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s2).
Steps:
- Read over the instructions for this experiment.
- Take your three measures for each person and then calculate mean of the three measures; fill out the table in your answer sheet with three distances then the mean distance in centimeters.
- To use the formula you need: a) a scientific calculator or computer app or internet site or smart phone app; b) the constant represented by “g” is the acceleration due to gravity, this does change is used in the formulae whenever you use it; you need the “y” or the mean of all three measures in centimeters (cm).
- Next calculate “2” times “y” and divide by the constant "g" or "9.8" and then take the square root of your estimate, this gives you “t” or reaction time for each person.
- Repeat calculate for your second person.
- Answers all the questions regarding the calculation in your answer sheet.
Example:
Name |
Distance Ruler Fell Before Caught (cm) |
|||
Trial 1 |
Trial 2 |
Trial 3 |
Average |
|
Person 1 |
12 |
13.5 |
11 |
12.17 |
Person 2 |
10 |
9 |
14 |
11.0 |
Example:
Time in seconds = SQRT ((2 x 12.17) / 9.8) = 1.57 seconds
Time in seconds = SQRT ((2 x 11.0) / 9.8) = 1.49 seconds
INSTRUCTIONS:
* On your own and without assistance, complete this Lab 4 Answer Sheet electronically and submit it via the Assignments Folder by the date listed in the Course Schedule (under Syllabus).
* To conduct your laboratory exercises, use the Laboratory Manual located under Course Content. Read the introduction and the directions for each exercise/experiment carefully before completing the exercises/experiments and answering the questions.
* Save your Lab 4 Answer Sheet in the following format: LastName_Lab4 (e.g., Smith_Lab4).
* You should submit your document as a Word (.doc or .docx) or Rich Text Format (.rtf) file for best compatibility.
Pre-Lab Questions
Why does the cerebral cortex contain so many folds?
The cerebral cortex, especially in higher animals, including humans, has many folds, also called gyri. The availability of many gyri or cortex folds allows the human brain to accommodate more neurons, leading to more excellent brain functioning.
In Exercise 1, you will determine your reaction time by catching a ruler suspended just above your fingers. What factors may affect your reaction time?
Age
Gender
Physical fitness
Fatigue
Distraction
Alcohol
Personality type
Type of stimulus, e.g., auditory or visual.
Exercise 1: Reaction Time
Data Sheet
Table 2: Distance Data for Reaction Time
Name
Distance Ruler Fell Before Caught (cm)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Participant
14
15
12
13.67
Me
13
16
15
14.67
Post-Lab Questions
1 Use the equation:
to calculate your reaction time and the participant’s reaction time. Show your work. Note: The equation for reaction time is derived from a kinematic equation where y equals the average distance the ruler fell, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s2). Ensure your units are consistent.
Participant's reaction time:
Y=average time of participant’s time=(14+ 15+ 12)÷3=13.67
g is the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s2).
T=square root of (2×13.67)÷9.8m/s2
T= square root of 2.7898
The square root of 2.7898=1.6703
Thus, the reaction time of the participant is 1.6703 seconds
My reaction time is calculated as follows:
The average time (Y), as detailed in the results table, is 14.67 seconds, T (reaction time), and g is the acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.8 m/s2).
Reaction time = square root of (2 ×14.67=29.34) ÷9.8 (g)
Reaction time=square root of 2.9939
The square roof of 2.9939=1.7302
Thus, my reaction time is 1.7302 seconds
Identify the independent variable in the experiment.
The Independent variable is the acceleration due to gravity
Identify the dependent variable in the experiment.
The dependent variable is time
Did you or your participant have a quicker reaction time? Use your results to support your answer.
My friend had a quicker reaction time than me, as indicated by the reaction time of 1.6703 s...
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