Choice Reaction Time
A circle will appear on the left or right. Press the matching arrow key or tap that side as fast as you can!
FAQ
Choice reaction time measures how quickly you can select the correct response from multiple options when presented with a stimulus. It is slower than simple reaction time because it requires decision-making.
Simple reaction has one stimulus and one response. Choice reaction has multiple possible stimuli and responses. The extra decision-making adds about 50-100ms to response times.
Hick's Law states that reaction time increases logarithmically with the number of choices. Each doubling of choices adds roughly the same amount of time. This test demonstrates this principle.
About this test
The choice reaction time test measures how quickly your brain can make decisions. Unlike simple reaction time, you must choose the correct response from multiple options, engaging higher cognitive processing.
How It Works
An arrow or symbol appears pointing left or right. Press the corresponding key as quickly as possible. The test measures both your speed and accuracy across multiple trials.
The Science
Choice reaction time reflects cognitive processing speed and is influenced by Hick's Law — more options means longer decision times. It is a better predictor of general cognitive ability than simple reaction time.
Tips
- Keep your fingers hovering over both response keys
- Focus on the stimulus location, not its appearance
- Accuracy is critical — errors indicate rushing