| Human Factors: Hyman 1953 | |
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| Script Name | hick_hyman.zip |
| Stimulus Materials | |
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Sample Data Files |
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| Citation | Hyman, R. (1953). Stimulus information as a determinant of reaction time. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 45, 188-196. (pdf) |
| Summary of Experiment | This study uses information theory to explain why larger numbers of choices increase reaction time (a phenomenon described by the Hick Hyman Law). For instance, a four-choice reaction-time task will take longer than a two-choice task. |
| Related Studies in this Corpus | Welford 1968 |
| Works this Study Cites | Hick, W.E. On the rate of gain of information. Quart. J. exp. Psychol., 1952, 4, 11-26.
Merkel, J. Die zeitlichen Verhaltnisse der Willensthatigkeit. Philos. St., 1885, 2, 73-127. Shannon, C.E., & Weaver, W. The mathematical theory of communication. Urbana: Univer. of Illinois Press, 1949. |
| Works in Set that Cite this Study | {Cited By} |
| Study Abstract |
Though studies of the relation between reaction time (RT) and the number of stimuli or responses from which to choose dates back to at least 1885, Hick (Quarterly J. Exp. Psych., 1952, 4, 11-26) and, separately, Hyman (J. Exp. Psych., 1953, 45, 188-196) argued that RT increases linearly with the amount of information conveyed by the number of choices. Thus, a binary (two-valued, yes/no) response has one bit of information, while a four-choice response has two bits, etc.). In this experiment, subjects must choose between two, three, or four responses, in separate blocks of the experiment. |
| Works Cited for Experment | {Works Cited} |
| Data Analysis Instructions | {Data Instructions} |
| Date Modified |
12-Mar-2002 |
| Contact for More Information | Brian MacWhinney |