Field Test of Arousal: A Portable Reaction Timer with Data Storage

TLDR

The test is suitable for field assessment of performance influenced by arousal‑related stress. The study describes a portable, unprepared simple reaction‑time test. The battery‑powered cassette recorder presents visual stimuli at random 1–10 s intervals, records button‑press responses, displays reaction times, and is limited to about 10 min by tape length. Studies demonstrate the test has a brief practice curve and is sensitive to arousal‑related stress.

Abstract

A portable, unprepared simple reaction time (USRT) test is described. This test is particularly suitable for assessing performance in the field as a function of arousal-related stress. The test, which is housed in a small, battery-powered cassette recorder, presents a visual stimulus at quasi-random intertrial intervals ranging from 1 to 10 s. The subject responds by pressing a button as quickly as possible, whereupon the reaction time is displayed. The duration of the test is limited only by the cassette tape on which the data are recorded, but 10 min is recommended. Reviewed are studies illustrating the test's brief practice curve and its sensitivity to arousal-related stress.