Lecture 2

Question 1

what was goal of Donders subtraction method?

how?

Answer 1

goal: estimate duration of a postulated mental process
method: create 2 identical tasks, except for involveement of X in one of the tasks

> subtract RT’s = duration of X

Question 2

what are problems with Donders subtraction method?

> where is this method used today?

Answer 2

1. requires a priori knowledge of structures of mental processes
2. assumption of pure insertion is dubious

> method is used in todays brain imaging, but then in the spatial domain

Question 3

how to use reaction time data?

4 elements

Answer 3

1. use a full factorial design (2 factors, A and B)
2. analyse RT as well as errors

> is there a speed-accuracy tradeoff?

3. use a good design

> avoid order effects

4. remove outliers