Eyemovement latency, duration, and response time as a function of angular displacement.

Abstract

The present research was initiated with two purposes in mind (a) to determine the speed of seeing in a complex visual task (Exp. I), and (b) to isolate and measure the various components of the total response (initial latency, travel time of the eye, and the response time for interpreting the signal). Results of Exp. I showed that RT increased as the angle from the center line of regard increased. There was no significant difference between pairs of means for right and left sides. It was also found that response time increased as the number of possible signals increased. In Exp. II. the time required for each of the three components of the response increased as the angle increased. Several interpretations of the positive relationship between angle and the time required for S to make his vocal response after his eyes had reached the signal were considered.