Reaction Time and Speed of Movement in Males and Females of Various Ages

Abstract

Nine hundred and thirty men, women, and children ranging in age from 6 to 84 were tested to determine the differences between males and females of various ages in their speed of reaction and movement and to ascertain whether or not a relationship exists between reaction time and movement time. Results indicated that (a) males are faster than females in both reaction and movement; (b) speed of both functions increases up to early adulthood and then decreases; (c) peak speed is maintained longer by males in movement and longer by females in reaction; and (d) in the majority of groups studied, no relationship exists between speed of reaction and speed of movement.