移動指標の方向変化に対する反応時間

抄録

The purpose of present study was to investigate the reaction to the horizontally moving object with special reference to the mechanisms of anticipation. The reaction time was measured by using the stimuli which were directional reversal of the moving object. The stimulus was provided successively and periodically in order to establish anticipation to stimulus presentation. Stop of motion or deceleration was inserted occasionally between directional reversal to break anticipation. Then normal adult female university students served as subjects. The subject was asked to respond to the stimulus by pushing the conventional telegraph key. The action potentials of forearm flexors and extensors were ledoff by biolpar surface electrodes. Horizontal eye movement was recorded by Electro-Oculography. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1) As the degree of anticipation to the directional reversal became higher by periodic stimuli, reaction with negligible latency appeared. On that occasion, stopping the motion or reducing velocity, error reaction occured. This means that motor output was provided independently of sensory input. 2) Of the possible two kinds of anticipation of timing point, temporal anticipation plays a more important role than spacial one. 3) Reaction time with the moving object was shorter than with flash of light. 4) The eye movement, which was in most cases saccadic with the target velocity employed in the present study, was also influenced by anticipation. As anticipation became established, eyes saccadicly moved in advance of target to the position where the stimulus will be presented, and stayed there waiting the stimulus presentation. It suggests that there exists the mechanism which enables quick reception of the information about the changes of the external world.