The Effects of Regular Versus Irregular Caffeine Consumption in Mental Performance

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sara Pippin ◽  
Brenna Harrison
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Mental Performance ◽  
Caffeine Consumption ◽  
Performance Tasks ◽  
Regular Consumption ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Larger Sample

Caffeine is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world and is a central nervous system stimulant that increases alertness and excitation. Regular consumption of caffeine can cause one to become dependent on the drug and this, in turn, can cause withdrawal to occur when regular caffeine consumption is disrupted [1]. A case study series (3 cases) addresses the way in which caffeine consumption by regular and irregular caffeine drinkers impacts cognitive performance. Three subjects, 2 regular caffeine drinkers and 1 irregular caffeine drinker, performed case studies to examine the effect of caffeine consumption on their reaction and choice reaction times.  A Brain Gauge device and software were used to conduct these cognitive performance tasks.  Across all 3 cases, choice reaction time decreased (i.e., task performance improved) after drinking coffee.  In most cases, there was a decrease in the average reaction time (performance improvement) after caffeine consumption.  The difference in mental performance between regular and irregular drinkers cannot be determined with the results of this case study series. Additional research and experiments with larger sample sizes are needed before making further conclusions about how caffeine consumption and disruption of caffeine consumption affects mental performance.

Determination Of Reaction Time Changes Per Time Unit In Clot Assays

1981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lj Popović
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Standard Sample ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Test Sample ◽  
Total Reaction ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Time Changes ◽  
Total Reaction Time

Changes in reaction time of clot assays are usually expressed only in time units, which fails to indicate the extent of the increase or decrease of the reaction time of the tested specimens against that of the basic sample. Reaction time increases of, e.g. , 6 seconds in tested samples, compared to basic sample reaction times of 12 and 24 seconds respectively, signify an increase twice as large in the first as in the second instance.Changes in reaction time of clot assays can be expressed as the increment or decrement of the reaction time per time unit. This amount of increase or decrease (positive or negative alteration of reaction time, T a ) can be expressed as the quotient of the difference between the reaction times of the tested (T x ) and basic (To) samples and of the basic sample, e.g. in seconds per second, T a =T x -To/To. A test sample reaction time 6 seconds longer than basic sample reaction times of 12 and 2k seconds would mean an increase of 0.5 and 0.25 seconds per second, respectively.Reaction time changes of tested samples against that of the standard sample (T std ) can be calculated in a similar way, T a =T x -T std /T std .It can be assumed that this parameter reflects the intensity of the increase or decrease of reaction time per time unit. The quotient of the tested and basic samples can be considered as the coefficient of the increase or decrease of the total reaction time (CT=T x /To).

Emphasizing Nonword Decisions in Word-Decision Performance

2008 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-101
Author(s):  
C. Darren Piercey
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Lexical Decision ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Instruction Condition ◽  
Decision Performance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Speed And Accuracy ◽  
Mean Reaction Time

A robust finding in the lexical decision literature is that decisions to words are made more quickly and accurately than decisions to nonwords. When instructions are presented to participants prior to an experiment, an emphasis is usually placed on identifying words. This study assessed whether instructing participants to emphasize nonword decisions would affect the performance of the speed and accuracy of identification. A total of 98 individuals took part, 49 in a Word Instruction condition and 49 in a Nonword Instruction condition. Analysis indicated changes in emphasis on words versus nonwords decreased the difference in mean reaction time between word and nonword decisions. An interesting finding is that the manipulation of instructions affected reaction times to words but not to nonwords. The analysis of accuracy yielded no significant comparisons. Further research is required to assess the importance of the finding that the manipulation of instructions affects only word decisions.

Reaction Times and Derived Information Processing Measures: Limitations of Their Practical Use in Vehicle Operator Screening

1978 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-123
Author(s):  
Helmut T. Zwahlen ◽  
Michael L. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Reaction Time ◽  
Simple Reaction Time ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Simple Reaction ◽  
Rate Difference ◽  
Screening Measure ◽  
Time Averages ◽  
The Difference

The use of information processing rate (difference between the amount of uncertainty in a choice and simple reaction time situation, in bits, divided by the difference of the corresponding reaction time averages, in seconds) as a driver screening measure from a relevance point of view has been suggested by Fergenson (1971).

Focal-Attentive and Preattentive Processes in Letter- and Figure-Search Tasks

1994 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 1347-1354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Schweizer
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Visual Field ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Search Path ◽  
Search Tasks ◽  
The Difference

Evidence for preattentive and focal-attentive processes was obtained with two reaction-time tasks. In each case, effects of preattentive processes were identified by stimulating different proportions of the visual field. By varying the length of the search path, the effects of focal-attentive processes were identified. The first task, which required scanning arrays of letters, yielded short reaction times whereas the second task, which required the location of figures, led to long reaction times. The difference is explained by low automation and the strong demands of the latter task. The data do not indicate an interaction between preattentive and focal-attentive processes.

Reaction Times for Simple Shape Discriminations Requiring One or Both Visual Cortices

1967 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. Brindley ◽  
R. H. S. Carpenter ◽  
D. N. Rushton
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Shape Discrimination ◽  
Simple Shape ◽  
Total Reaction ◽  
Visual Cortices ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Total Reaction Time

Reaction times for a simple two-choice shape discrimination requiring either one or both visual cortices were measured. In a total reaction time of around 400 millisec. the difference found was 3.0 ± 2.6 millisec. If subjects were weighted according to number of observations, and — 1.34 ± 1.68 millisec. if they were weighted according to reciprocals of variances of differences of means; that is, it was not significant.

Covert orienting of attention in macaques. III. Contributions of the superior colliculus

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 713-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Robinson ◽  
C. Kertzman
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Receptive Field ◽  
Superior Colliculus ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Reaction Time Task ◽  
Visual Responses ◽  
Time Task ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Visual Receptive Field ◽  
The Difference

1. The present experiments were conducted to study physiological mechanisms in the superior colliculus and their relation to visual spatial attention. We used a cued reaction time task studied in detail previously (Bowman et al. 1993; Posner 1980). Monkeys learned to fixate a spot of light and release a bar when a target light appeared. Cues on the same side as the target (valid cue) were associated with faster reaction times than those on the opposite side (invalid cue). The difference in reaction times is hypothesized to be a measure of attention. 2. A total of 79 neurons within the superficial layers of the superior colliculi of two monkeys were studied. When the cues and targets were positioned so that both were within the visual receptive field, the cues excited the cells, and this produced a refractoriness to the targets for the following 400 ms. Both the ON and OFF responses to the cue were constant under all conditions. 3. These neurons were also tested with the cue just outside of the visual receptive field. This was done to avoid refractory effects from the cue; there was no significant modulation of the response to the target under these conditions. The visual responses of neurons in the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus also responded equivalently under these conditions. 4. When the activity of cells within the foveal representation was compared during the performance of three tasks, there was differential activity. The appearance of the fixation point during the performance of the cued reaction time task led to a strong, transient discharge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

scholarly journals Concurrent white noise and acute hypobaric hypoxia: Effect on aviation cognitive performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
pp. 82-87
Author(s):  
D Ghosh ◽  
D Gaur ◽  
B Sinha ◽  
B Aravindakshan
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
White Noise ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Memory Span ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia ◽  
Larger Sample

Introduction: Optimal cognitive performance is the essence of effective execution of a flying mission. Effects of two commonly encountered aviation stressors, hypoxia and noise, on performance have been studied. However, studies on effects of concurrent dual effects of both these stressors on key cognitive parameters are sparse; hence, the objective was to examine these effects. Material and Methods: Cognitive performances were assessed among 30 healthy volunteers (28 males and 2 females) sequentially in four different conditions – baseline (without stressors), 85 dB(A) noise, 14,000 ft altitude, and concurrent exposure to 85 dB(A) noise at 14,000 ft altitude. White noise was simulated through software, altitude in the hypobaric chamber and cognitive performance was assessed with tests from Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) test battery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The study revealed statistically significant direct detrimental effect of altitude and noise on implicit reaction time independently as well as concurrently. However, there was insignificant interaction effect between the dual stressors on implicit reaction time. There were no statistically significant effects of dual stressors on implicit correctness, visuospatial working memory, and selective attention. Although statistically not significant, noise enhanced the performance level in the form of increased Corsi block memory span and Corsi block total score. Conclusion: No significant effect of the dual stressors was observed on most of the cognitive parameters. However, implicit reaction time, a measure of pilot’s risk-taking behavior, was found to be significantly affected by the dual stressors. Further research with a larger sample of aircrew population who differ in age, experience, and other potentially influencing factors is recommended.

Reaction Time during Walking

1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 259-262E ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuhiko Sajiki ◽  
Norio Moriai ◽  
Atsushi Isagoda ◽  
Ryuichi Nakamura
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Arousal Level ◽  
Attentional Demands ◽  
The Difference

Reaction times (RTs) of vocalization were examined for 20 normal subjects under two conditions, standing and walking. The RT during walking was not related to the phases of walking cycle. The difference in RTs (ΔRT) was obtained by subtracting RT for standing from that of walking. The correlation coefficient between RT for standing and ΔRT was significant and negative. ΔRTs for subjects with fast RT for standing were positive, whereas those with slow RT were negative. Assuming that the arousal level when standing is different between the faster and slower reactors, the probe-RT during walking would reflect not only the extra-attentional demands of walking but also the shift in arousal.

Typewriting Rate as a Function of Reaction Time

1977 ◽  
Vol 45 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1179-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Hayes ◽  
G. D. Wilson ◽  
R. L. Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Instructional Methodology ◽  
Average Reaction Time ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Alphabetic Character ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship

This study was designed to determine the relationship between reaction time and typewriting rate. Subjects were 24 typists ranging in age from 19 to 39 yr. Reaction times (.001 sec.) to a light were recorded for each finger and to each alphabetic character and three punctuation marks. Analysis of variance yielded significant differences in reaction time among subjects and fingers. Correlation between typewriting rate and average reaction time to the alphabetic characters and three punctuation marks was —.75. Correlation between typewriting rate and the difference between the reaction time of the hands was —.42. Factors influencing typewriting rate may include reaction time of the fingers, difference between the reaction time of the hands, and reaction time to individual keys on the typewriter. Implications exist for instructional methodology and further research.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SUPPLIED AND ELICITED CONSIDERATIONS IN CAREER EVALUATION

1977 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. R. Cochran
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
First Year ◽  
Personal Constructs ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
The Difference

This paper studies the difference between deciders' uses of supplied and elicited considerations within the context of career evaluation. Twenty first-year students rated 10 elicited career alternatives on 5 supplied constructs (e.g., demanding/relaxed) and 5 personal constructs. Next, students indicated their preferences between alternatives, when presented with 25 pairs of careers. Reaction times were recorded. The results indicated that personal constructs were more interrelated and more evaluatively compatible than supplied constructs. These structural attributes of constructs also correlated significantly with indecisiveness or reaction time. It was concluded that deciders were more coherent in using personal rather than supplied constructs.

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