Reaction Time: Gamer vs. Non-Gamer Essay Example

In this project, we will see if being a gamer improves ones reaction time. To test this, you first have to know what reaction time is and how it works, also what a "gamer" is classified as. First, what a gamer is classified as. A gamer is " a person who plays games; especially : a person who regularly plays computer or video games" ("Definition of gamer," ). We will say "regularly" is at least three hours a week. Most people can agree with this figure. There are different types of gamers. For example: FPS (first person shooter) which is a fast paced type that requires good reaction time and control over a controller or mouse and keyboard. There are also racing gamers. This requires good control and reaction time, but not as much as an FPS gamer. RPG (Role playing game) requires good thinking abilities. FPS gamers are the most common, so this is the type of gamer which will be using in testing. "Reaction time is the ability to respond quickly to a stimulus" ("About reaction time", 2012). Reaction time is very important in our day-to-day life, even though we don't always realize we are using it. Some examples are; seeing something falling and catching it, or dodging a ball that is coming towards you. There are two different types of reaction time; Simple, and Choice reaction time. "Simple reaction time is the time taken between a stimulus and movement." For example, a sprint start. Simple reaction time depends on nerve connections and, therefore cannot be improved. The other kind of reaction time, Choice reaction time, is the time taken between stimulus and action that requires a choice. Choice reaction time can be improved. Because of the fact Choice reaction time can be improved, this is what will be tested. It has been confirmed by many researchers that different types of stimulus have different reaction times. For example, auditory (hearing) reaction times are averaged 140-160 milliseconds, where visual (seeing) reaction times are 180-200